31/08/2005
One in ten children suffers mental disorder, study claims
One in ten children has a clinically recognisable mental disorder, a new survey has claimed.
The survey of children, aged between 5 and 16 in private households in England, Scotland and Wales, was carried out by the Office of National Statistics, between March and June 2004.
The survey found that 4% of children had an emotional disorder, such as anxiety and depression, while 6% suffered from a conduct disorder, characterised by aggressive, disruptive or antisocial behaviour. Two in ten children were found to suffer from a hyperkinetic disorder, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, while 1% had a less common disorder, such as autism, tics, eating disorders and selective mutism. The ONS said that one in five of affected children had more than one type of disorder.
Boys were found to be more likely than girls to suffer from a mental disorder. The ONS found that 10% of boys aged between 5 and 10 had a disorder, compared to 5% of girls in the same age group. Thirteen per cent of 11 to 16-year-old boys were also found to have some form of mental disorder, compared to 10% of girls in the same age group.
Boys were also found to be more likely to suffer from autism – 82% of those children with the condition were boys.
The ONS found that the prevalence of mental disorders also varied by some characteristics. Children in lone parent families and families where neither parents worked were found to be more likely to suffer from mental disorders than children with two parents who both worked.
In addition, 17% of children whose interviewed parent had no educational qualifications had a mental disorder compared with 4% of children where the interviewed parent had a degree level qualification.
However, the ONS found that autistic children tended to have more highly qualified parents than other children (46% with qualification above GCSE level, compared to 35% of other children) and were also less likely to live in low-income families (9% with a gross weekly income of less than £200, compared to 20% of other children).
(KMcA/SP)
The survey of children, aged between 5 and 16 in private households in England, Scotland and Wales, was carried out by the Office of National Statistics, between March and June 2004.
The survey found that 4% of children had an emotional disorder, such as anxiety and depression, while 6% suffered from a conduct disorder, characterised by aggressive, disruptive or antisocial behaviour. Two in ten children were found to suffer from a hyperkinetic disorder, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, while 1% had a less common disorder, such as autism, tics, eating disorders and selective mutism. The ONS said that one in five of affected children had more than one type of disorder.
Boys were found to be more likely than girls to suffer from a mental disorder. The ONS found that 10% of boys aged between 5 and 10 had a disorder, compared to 5% of girls in the same age group. Thirteen per cent of 11 to 16-year-old boys were also found to have some form of mental disorder, compared to 10% of girls in the same age group.
Boys were also found to be more likely to suffer from autism – 82% of those children with the condition were boys.
The ONS found that the prevalence of mental disorders also varied by some characteristics. Children in lone parent families and families where neither parents worked were found to be more likely to suffer from mental disorders than children with two parents who both worked.
In addition, 17% of children whose interviewed parent had no educational qualifications had a mental disorder compared with 4% of children where the interviewed parent had a degree level qualification.
However, the ONS found that autistic children tended to have more highly qualified parents than other children (46% with qualification above GCSE level, compared to 35% of other children) and were also less likely to live in low-income families (9% with a gross weekly income of less than £200, compared to 20% of other children).
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 October 2014
Woman And Children Found Dead In Stoke-on Trent
An investigation is underway following the discovery of the bodies of a woman and two children at a house in Stoke-on-Trent. Police say they made the discovery after being called to an address in Sherwin Road at about 18:35 on Sunday. A woman and two children were pronounced dead at the scene. No details of the victims have yet been released.
Woman And Children Found Dead In Stoke-on Trent
An investigation is underway following the discovery of the bodies of a woman and two children at a house in Stoke-on-Trent. Police say they made the discovery after being called to an address in Sherwin Road at about 18:35 on Sunday. A woman and two children were pronounced dead at the scene. No details of the victims have yet been released.
08 September 2004
'Biggest mental health reform' for 50 years unveiled
The government has today unveiled what is has described as the "biggest reform of mental health legislation since the 1950's". The new draft Mental Health Bill, published today, aims to provide better safeguards and treatment for patients who may harm themselves and others.
'Biggest mental health reform' for 50 years unveiled
The government has today unveiled what is has described as the "biggest reform of mental health legislation since the 1950's". The new draft Mental Health Bill, published today, aims to provide better safeguards and treatment for patients who may harm themselves and others.
19 November 2009
Moss Criticised Over Skinny Comments
Model Kate Moss is facing criticism after being accused of making a comment which could be viewed as pro-anorexia. The 35-year-old model, who is famous for her waif-like figure, gave an interview to afashion news web-site in which she apparently said that one of her mottos was: "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels".
Moss Criticised Over Skinny Comments
Model Kate Moss is facing criticism after being accused of making a comment which could be viewed as pro-anorexia. The 35-year-old model, who is famous for her waif-like figure, gave an interview to afashion news web-site in which she apparently said that one of her mottos was: "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels".
18 September 2009
Tackle 'Pro-Ana' Websites, Says Docs
Psychiatrists have called for urgent action to protect vulnerable young people from the harmful influence of pro-eating disorder websites. So-called 'pro-ana' (pro-anorexia) and 'pro-mia' (pro-bulimia) websites have existed since the development of the internet – but their number has soared in recent years with the growth of social networking.
Tackle 'Pro-Ana' Websites, Says Docs
Psychiatrists have called for urgent action to protect vulnerable young people from the harmful influence of pro-eating disorder websites. So-called 'pro-ana' (pro-anorexia) and 'pro-mia' (pro-bulimia) websites have existed since the development of the internet – but their number has soared in recent years with the growth of social networking.
23 May 2013
Charities Highlight Rise In Children Abusing Children
Children’s charities have warned that an increasing number of children are being abused by other children, adding that their helplines have seen a growing number of calls from children about sexual abuse.
Charities Highlight Rise In Children Abusing Children
Children’s charities have warned that an increasing number of children are being abused by other children, adding that their helplines have seen a growing number of calls from children about sexual abuse.