Epidemiología de trastornos psiquiátricos en niños y adolescentes: Estudios de prevalencia

Abstract

The aims of this revision is to update information on epidemiology of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders, including studies done in Spanish speaking and Latin American countries. Current points of view and evidence for transcultural validity of nosological constructs in child and adolescent psychiatry are reviewed. Evidence derived from structured interviews and combined categorical and dimensional approaches are shown. Prevalence reports vary from 5 to 22%, depending on the methodology, type of interview, sample and inclusion of impairment criteria. A national study was done in Great Britain, showing 9,7% prevalence. In the USA, there are several regional and some collaborative studies, and a national study of adolescents has started. In Puerto Rico, a prevalence of 19,8% was reported, which was adjusted to 6, 9% adding impairment criteria. In Taubaté, Brazil, 12,7% full diagnoses and 3,5% subsyndromatic diagnoses were found. In Mexico City, 39,9% psychiatric disorders were reported, 1/4 of which were mild, 1/ moderate and 1/5 severe. In Chile, a study in Santiago schoolchildren showed 15, 7%, measured by a clinical interview using ICD-10 syndromatic and impairment criteria. Comorbidity studies are commented. Usefulness of epidemiology in studying prevalence, health burden, service needs, use and barriers to care is summarized. The importance of having this type of information for the design of preventive and treatment programmes is analysed.