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01-12-2008 | ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION

Prevalence of mental health problems among children and adolescents in Germany: results of the BELLA study within the National Health Interview and Examination Survey

Authors: Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer, MPH, Dipl.-Psych. Nora Wille, MPH, Dr. Michael Erhart, Dr. Susanne Bettge, Prof. Dr. Hans-Ulrich Wittchen, Prof. Dr. Aribert Rothenberger, Prof. Dr. Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann, Prof. Dr. Franz Resch, Dipl.-Päd. Heike Hölling, Prof. Dr. Monika Bullinger, Prof. Dr. Claus Barkmann, Prof. Dr. Michael Schulte-Markwort, Prof. Dr. Manfred Döpfner, as the BELLA study group

Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry | Special Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Background

Over the past decades the public health relevance of mental health conditions in children and adolescents has been of growing concern. However, so far no detailed epidemiological data has been available for a representative national sample in Germany.

Objectives

The present paper reports prevalence rates of general and specific mental health problems among children and adolescents in Germany and describes the link between symptoms and impairment as well as the treatment situation.

Methods

The mental health module (BELLA study) examines mental health problems in a representative sub-sample of 2,863 families with children aged 7–17 from the National Health Interview and Examination Survey among Children and Adolescents (KiGGS). Mental health problems were determined using the extended version of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). Further standardised screening measures were employed to screen for anxiety disorders (SCARED), conduct disorder (CBCL), attention deficit-/hyperactivity disorder (FBB-HKS, Conners’ Scale) and depressive disorders (CES-DC). Furthermore, substance abuse and suicidal tendencies were assessed. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health care use were determined.

Results

Overall, 14.5% of the children and adolescents aged 7–17 fulfilled the criteria for at least one specific mental health problem associated with impairment, or had an overall mental health problem indicated by an abnormal SDQ score and present impairment. However, high comorbidity was found in the children concerned. Symptoms of overall mental health problems were present in 8.6% of the children and 6.6% of the adolescents. This number was reduced to prevalence rates of 6.3 and 4.9% when additional impairment was taken as a criterion. Irrespective of the type of disorder, fewer than half of the children affected were reported as receiving treatment. However, for those suffering from mental health problems, large impairments in HRQoL were observed.

Conclusions

The observed prevalence of mental health problems as well as their large impact on well-being and functioning calls for early prevention. This is especially important with regard to the large decrease in HRQoL in the children and adolescents affected.

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Title: Prevalence of mental health problems among children and adolescents in Germany: results of the BELLA study within the National Health Interview and Examination Survey
Authors: Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer, MPH
Dipl.-Psych. Nora Wille, MPH
Dr. Michael Erhart
Dr. Susanne Bettge
Prof. Dr. Hans-Ulrich Wittchen
Prof. Dr. Aribert Rothenberger
Prof. Dr. Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
Prof. Dr. Franz Resch
Dipl.-Päd. Heike Hölling
Prof. Dr. Monika Bullinger
Prof. Dr. Claus Barkmann
Prof. Dr. Michael Schulte-Markwort
Prof. Dr. Manfred Döpfner
as the BELLA study group
Publication date: 01-12-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry / Issue Special Issue 1/2008
Print ISSN: 1018-8827
Electronic ISSN: 1435-165X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-008-1003-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Prevalence of mental health problems among children and adolescents in Germany: results of the BELLA study within the National Health Interview and Examination Survey

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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