BETHESDA, Md., Dec 16, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- About half of U.S. children and
teens with some mental disorders receive professional services, researchers say.
The survey for the National Institute of Mental Health used data from the
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The survey, conducted from
2001-2004, had 3,042 participants ages 8-15.
Dr. Thomas R. Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, said
the young people were interviewed directly. Parents or caregivers also provided
information about their children's mental health.
The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found 13 percent of respondents
met criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, eating disorders
such as anorexia and bulimia, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder and conduct disorder. Some 1.8 percent of the respondents had more than
one disorder, usually a combination of ADHD and conduct disorder.
Specifically, the study found:
-- 8.6 percent had ADHD, more likely among males.
-- 3.7 percent had depression, more likely among females.
-- 2.1 percent had conduct disorder.
-- 0.7 percent had generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder.
-- 0.1 percent had an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia).
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