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Time trends in child and adolescent mental disorders
Barbara Maughan1, Alessandra C Iervolino, Stephan Collishaw
1MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK. b.maughan@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Current Opinion in Psychiatry
|April 28, 2006
Summary
Child and adolescent mental health trends show rising autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder awareness. While some trends like conduct problems and substance use vary culturally, suicide rates in males and self-harm in females have increased, necessitating further research.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- A 1995 review highlighted rising psychosocial disorders in youth post-WWII.
- Subsequent decades saw increases in crime, substance use, depression, and suicide.
- Recent trends in child and adolescent mental health indicators are examined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent trends in child and adolescent mental health indicators.
- To update findings on psychosocial disorders and other mental health issues in youth.
- To identify potential risk factors and inform service planning.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and data on time trends.
- Analysis of prevalence estimates for various child and adolescent mental health conditions.
- Synthesis of findings on specific disorders like autism, ADHD, conduct problems, and emotional disorders.
Main Results:
- Increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorders and awareness of attention deficits.
- Rising rates of suicide in young males and self-harm in females in many countries.
- Varied trends in emotional disorders; limited evidence for increased anorexia nervosa.
Conclusions:
- Monitoring mental health trends is crucial for effective service planning.
- Understanding trends can identify potential risk factors for youth mental health.
- Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms behind observed trends.
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