The Prevalence of Psychiatric Morbidity among School Children

Abstract

Background: Children need special care as they undergo a complex process of emotional, physical and social changes. Prevalence of mental disorders among children has been reported to be 14-20% in various studies. Objectives: To study the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and factors influencing its prevalence among school children studying in 6 th to 12 th standard. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 500 children studying in 6 th to 12 th standard of three schools of Faridkot city. Students suffering from any progressive neurological disease and suffering from any medical illness were excluded from study. Three schools of the city were included in study. Results: Our study revealed that 16.8% were having psychiatric morbidity. The order in which psychiatric morbidity was found was Specific isolated (17.8%), Non organic sleep disorders (13.1%),Tension headache(11.9%),Hyperkinetic Disorder and sleep terror was found in 7.1% while Generalized Anxiety Disorder was present in 4.8% students and Depression was found in 4.8%students. Conclusion: The results of the study have implications for clinical training, practice and policy initiatives. Integrating mental health into general health care, effective mass media coverage, networking between mental health-professionals and other health professionals, community-based health services and involvement of professionals from the education sector would be essential.