THE PATTERN OF PSYCHIATRIC MORBIDITY IN AN OUT-PATIENT CHILD PSYCHIATRY CLINIC: A STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN JAIPUR, NORTH INDIA.

Abstract

Background: Psychiatric disorders are estimated to affect 10-20% of children and adolescents annually, globally,
yet psychiatric services for children take a back seat when compared to adults in developing countries.
Aim and objectives:The objective of our study was to find the pattern of psychiatric morbidity in children and
adolescents at the child and adolescent outpatient service of a tertiary care hospital.
Material and Method:A semi structured questionnaire was used to record the socio demographic status. The state
of mental health and psychiatric morbidity was assessed after a thorough clinical assessment. Intelligence quotient
was assessed by a clinical psychologist as and when needed. All the diagnoses were made on the basis of Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV TR) criteria.
Results:A total of 476 patients were included in the study. Majority of the patients belonged to 6-16 years age group
(83.61%). Number of boys affected were nearly twice (67.01%) than the girls (32.98%). 75.2% of patients were
from Urban background. Mental retardation (36.5%) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (17.9%) were the most
Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research
 ISSN:0975-3583,0976-2833 VOL12,ISSUE04,2021
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frequent diagnoses followed by behavioral disorders (10.7%) and Attention deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD)
(9.7%).
Conclusion:Psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents are ubiquitous and burdensome. Our study indicates
the importance of identification and subsequently developing management policies of psychiatric conditions among
pediatric population