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Children with psychiatric disorders in primary care
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines
|September 1, 1986
Summary
A significant number of children aged 7-12 in general practice have psychiatric disorders, with emotional issues being most common. These conditions link to family stress and disadvantage, impacting physical health.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- General Practice Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Psychiatric disorders in children are a significant public health concern.
- General practice serves as a primary point of contact for many children's health issues.
- Understanding the prevalence and correlates of childhood psychiatric disorders is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children aged 7-12 years attending general practice.
- To identify factors associated with psychiatric disorders in this pediatric population.
- To explore the relationship between psychiatric disorders and somatic complaints in children.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Inclusion of children aged 7-12 years consulting in a general practice setting.
- Assessment of psychiatric disorders and associated psychosocial factors.
Main Results:
- A substantial minority (23%) of children presented with psychiatric disorders.
- Emotional disorder was the most frequent diagnosis, slightly more common in girls.
- Psychiatric disorders were associated with psychological disadvantage and high parental stress.
Conclusions:
- Psychiatric disorders are prevalent in children attending general practice.
- Psychosocial factors play a significant role in the development of childhood psychiatric disorders.
- Childhood psychiatric disorders may contribute to somatic consultations in primary care.