Research review: A meta‐analysis of the international prevalence and comorbidity of mental disorders in children between 1 and 7 years

Abstract

Background: Children younger than 7 years can develop mental disorders that might manifest differently than in older children or adolescents. However, little is known about the prevalence of mental disorders at this early age. Methods: We systematically searched the literature in the databases Web of Science, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX, MEDLINE, and Embase to identify epidemiological studies of community samples published between 2006 and 2020. A series of meta-analyses was conducted to estimate the pooled worldwide prevalence of mental disorders in general, specific mental disorders, and comorbidity in young children. Results: A total of ten epidemiological studies reporting data on N = 18,282 children (12-83 months old) from eight countries met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of mental disorders in general was 20.1%, 95% CI [15.7, 25.4]. Most common disorders were oppositional defiant disorder (4.9%, 95% CI [2.5, 9.5]) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (4.3%, 95% CI [2.5, 7.2]). The prevalence of any anxiety disorders was 8.5%, 95% CI [5.2, 13.5], and of any depressive disorders was 1.1%, 95% CI [0.8, 1.6]. Comorbidity was estimated at 6.4%, 95% CI [1.3, 54.0]. Conclusions: The literature search reveals that the epidemiology of mental disorders in children younger than 7 years is still a neglected area of research. The findings also indicate that there are a significant number of young children suffering from mental disorders who need appropriate age-adapted treatment.

Editorial: ‘The early bird catches the worm’—the need for even earlier intervention and targeted prevention for mental illnesses

“…The importance of intervening during childhood to prevent or at least minimise future mental health difficulties and related social and vocational issues is underscored by several of the papers in the current issue of the Journal . For instance, Vasileva, Graf, Reinelt, Petermann, and Petermann (2021) present results from a meta‐analysis of 18,282 children aged between 12–83 months from eight different countries. They found that a fifth of these children under the age of 7 years had a diagnosable mental health problem.…”

Children Living a Global Pandemic: Anxiety Repercussions

“…Risk factor to develop anxiety include genetic heritage, parental mental disorders, inhibition behavioural patterns and environmental factors such as socioeconomically disadvantaged status, poor familiar functioning, parental separation in early children' ages, among others [23][24][25].…”

Impact of Perceived Social Support on the Relationship between ADHD and Depressive Symptoms among First Year Medical Students: A Structural Equation Model Approach

“…Patients with a diagnosis of ADHD might have trouble finishing tasks, sitting still or keeping track of things, appointments or details [ 1 , 2 ]. The prevalence of ADHD is 5.29% and 4.4% among children and adults in the general population, respectively [ 3 , 4 ]. The prevalence of ADHD among college students is 7.6% [ 5 ].…”