Translated by Denise Schwab

Approximately 12.6% of Brazilians between 6 and 17 years old have symptoms of major mental disorders

The Brazilian Association of Psychiatry held in partnership with the Ibope Institute a national survey to assess the mental health of Brazilian children. The study estimated the prevalence of symptoms of mental disorders more common in childhood and adolescence (6 to 17 years old), and forms of treatment.

In 2008, there were 2002 interviews in 142 counties in all regions of Brazil. According to the survey, 12.6% of mothers reported having a child with symptoms of major mental disorder needing treatment or specialist help. The number equates to about 5 million children. The survey also pointed to the difficulty of access to specialized treatment: Of those, 28.9% could not or did not have access to public assistance, 46.7% were treated with SUS and 24.2% through a health insurance or private professional.

For a psychiatrist expert in childhood and adolescence, the survey reinforces what the professionals experience in practice. "We have no where to attend, forward and assist. It is a sad scenario because the lack of treatment carries serious consequences. Children who fail treatment do not have a normal and healthy development and become vulnerable adults, as well struggling to maintain their independence, economic stability and caring for their children, who also become more vulnerable, "she warns.

Most children and adolescents have symptoms for more than one mental disorder. Over 3 million (8.7%) have signs of hyperactivity or inattention, and 7.8% have difficulties with reading, writing and accounts (symptoms that correspond to specific learning disabilities). Also 6.7% have symptoms of irritability and challenging behaviors, and 6.4% have difficulty in understanding and lag behind other children the same age.

Important signs of depression also appear in approximately 4.2% of children and adolescents. In the area of anxiety disorders, 5.9% have major anxiety of separation from attachment figure, 4.2% in situations of social exposure and 3.9% in routine activities such as homework, future and parents’ health.

More than 1 million of children and adolescents (2.8%) have significant problems with alcohol and other drugs. This population seems to have faced an even more difficult to get treatment. 3.4% of children have behavioral problems such as lying, fighting, stealing and disrespecting.

Unfortunately it is still very large the number of children suffering from mental problems and do not receive appropriate treatment. The myth that children do not suffer from emotional disorders hinder the situation of these children as well as extending the early detection of symptoms, worsening more and more the whole problem. It is no coincidence that the ABP - Brazilian Association of Psychiatry - edited this article on World Mental Health in order to show their concern about issues relating to Mental Health in Childhood and Adolescence.

Source: http://www.abpbrasil.org.br/medicos/pesquisas