Patterns of Mental Disorders in a Large Child Psychiatric Sample (N = 65,363): A DREAMS Study

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Mental Health Research
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Understanding the prevalence and comorbidity of mental disorders in children is crucial for effective intervention.
• Previous research indicates varying diagnostic patterns across different populations.
• The DREAMS consortium provides a unique dataset for analyzing real-world clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively overview the prevalence and comorbidity patterns of mental disorders in a large child and adolescent psychiatry sample.
• To analyze diagnostic data from a Dutch academic consortium (DREAMS) between 2015-2019.
• To compare findings with existing literature and inform diagnostic protocol improvements.

Main Methods:

• Retrieved data on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnoses from medical records.
• Analyzed data from 65,363 children (0.5-18 years) treated at DREAMS centers.
• Diagnoses were assigned during routine clinical practice.

Main Results:

• 71.5% of children had a registered DSM disorder.
• Most prevalent primary diagnoses: Autism (34.6%), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (24.6%), Trauma and stressor-related disorders (8.4%).
• 47.2% had at least one comorbid diagnosis, with intellectual disabilities being most prevalent (29.5%).

Conclusions:

• Prevalence of autism and ADHD in this sample exceeded that reported in other studies.
• Diagnostic and comorbidity patterns were largely consistent with prior research.
• Real-world diagnostic data is vital for refining DSM-5 application, understanding cross-cultural differences, and enhancing diagnostic and treatment strategies.