Mental disorders in the pediatric setting – results of a Swiss survey

Mental disorders emerge in childhood and adolescence and are important risk factors for mental disorders in adolescence and adulthood. Since paediatricians are typically the first to see children with psychological problems, the aim of this study was to obtain a survey of mental disorders of children in paediatric settings.

250 paediatricians completed a questionnaire especially developed for this study, which asked for the estimated frequency and type of mental disorders in their patients, assurance in identifying mental disorders, diagnostic and treatment strategies used for these disorders and requests for training.

Paediatricians estimated that 15% percent of children in their paediatric setting reported psychological difficulties. The most frequent mental disorders indicated by the paediatricians were attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, depression and aggressive disorders. Comfort in assigning diagnoses for anxiety disorders and depression was lower than for externalizing disorders. Counselling was the treatment approach most often reported in treating mental disorders, followed by psychopharmacological medication. Psychotherapy, however, was reported very rarely. Paediatricians' wish for continuing education included diagnostics and screening instruments for psychological problems in childhood.

Estimated prevalence rates reported by paediatricians are comparable with rates in epidemiological studies. As paediatricians are often confronted with psychological problems, they have the important role in recognising the early signs of mental problems.