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Psychiatric disorders in general paediatric referrals
1Booth Hall Children's Hospital, Manchester.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Psychiatric disturbance, especially emotional disorders, is common in children referred to pediatric clinics. Family stress, particularly related to parenting, significantly contributes to these consultations.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Pediatric Health
- Psychosocial Pediatrics
Background:
- Psychiatric disorders are frequently undiagnosed in pediatric settings.
- Emotional and behavioral issues significantly impact children's well-being and family dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of psychiatric disturbance in children referred to general pediatric clinics.
- To identify common psychiatric diagnoses and associated risk factors in this population.
Main Methods:
- A detailed interview-based study was conducted with parents of 128 children (aged 7-12 years).
- Children were consecutively referred to general pediatric clinics.
- Psychiatric diagnoses were assessed using standardized criteria.
Main Results:
- Psychiatric disturbance was identified in 36% (28%) of referred children.
- Emotional disorders were the most common diagnosis (two-thirds of cases).
- Disturbance correlated with energy levels (high or low) and increased psychosocial problems, especially parental stress.
Conclusions:
- Psychiatric disorders, particularly emotional disorders, are prevalent in pediatric referrals.
- Family stress, especially parenting-related stress, is a significant contributing factor to these consultations.
- Early identification and intervention for psychiatric issues in pediatric settings are crucial.