Insomnia and the incidence, recurrence and persistence of common mental disorders: Sex-differences in the general population

•Insomnia increased the risk of developing, recurring and persisting mood disorders.•The association of insomnia with mood disorders was most prominent in men.•Insomnia also associated with recurring anxiety disorder, but not substance use disorder.•Treating insomnia may aid recovery and prevention, particularly of mood disorders. Insomnia is common throughout the population and thought to be a risk factor for mental disorders. We assessed the association of insomnia symptoms with incidence, recurrence and persistence of mood, anxiety and substance use disorders. In 4007 participants (55 % women, mean age 51.0 ± 12.3) of the population-based Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS), having insomnia symptoms increased the odds of developing, recurring and persisting mood disorders, mostly in men. Insomnia only associated with recurring anxiety disorders, particularly in women, and not with substance use disorders. Treating insomnia may aid recovery and prevention of mental disorders, particularly mood disorders.