Prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses in children with mental retardation: data from a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Public Health

Background:

• Mental retardation (MR) is associated with a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders.
• Accurate estimation of psychiatric diagnoses in children with MR is crucial for service planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses in children with mental retardation (MR) in Akershus County, Norway.
• To identify common psychiatric diagnoses in this population.
• To assess the extent of prior psychiatric evaluations in children with MR.

Main Methods:

• A population-based cohort of children born between 1980-1985 in Akershus County, Norway, was screened for MR (IQ ≤ 70).
• 178 children with MR (79 severe MR, 99 mild MR) underwent neurodevelopmental examinations including interviews and chart reviews.
• Psychiatric diagnoses were classified using the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10).

Main Results:

• Overall, 37% (95% CI 29-44) of children with MR received psychiatric diagnoses.
• The most common diagnoses were hyperkinesia (28 children) and pervasive developmental disorder (15 children).
• Psychiatric diagnoses were found in 42% of children with severe MR and 33% of children with mild MR.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of children with MR have psychiatric diagnoses, with hyperkinesia and pervasive developmental disorder being most prevalent.
• Approximately one-third of children with MR and psychiatric diagnoses had prior psychiatric evaluations, indicating unmet needs.
• There is a need for improved recognition and access to child psychiatric services for children with mental retardation.