Prevalence of psychopathology in preschool-age children

J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Nurs. 2003 Oct-Dec;16(4):141-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-6171.2003.00141.x.

Abstract

Problem: Little is known about psychopathology in preschool-age children.

Methods: A review of representative studies of psychiatric disorders in preschoolers.

Findings: Sample sizes ranged from 104 to 3,860 subjects, ages 1 to 9 years. Prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders varied from 0.1% to 26.4%; high rates of co-morbidity were reported.

Conclusions: Studies addressing psychiatric disorders in preschoolers are extremely limited. Future research is needed to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in preschool-age children.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Distribution
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Conduct Disorder / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Mood Disorders / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • United States / epidemiology