[Neuropsychiatric problems among children are signigicantly underdiagnosed. Intervention programs result in better and less expensive care].
Neuropsychiatric problems (Asperger syndrome, ADHD, reading and writing disorders) affect 6-10 per cent of all children in Sweden. Many of these disorders are never diagnosed. As a consequence, secondary behaviour problems and impaired family relations often follow. A study of 60 families with at least one child affected by one of the above mentioned disorders shows that quality of life can be increased and problems reduced if parents and children are informed of the child's disabilities and the child receives a special education programme. Families who do not receive this special treatment more often apply for medical care from other (more expensive) sources. Quite often do they find this treatment unsatisfactory.
Nydén
A
A
Göteborgs universitet. agneta.nyden@sahlgrenska.se
Paananen
M
M
Gillberg
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000296:Adolescent Psychiatry; D000328:Adult; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002665:Child Psychiatry; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004410:Dyslexia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy; D004519:Education, Special / Q000191:economics; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012801:Sibling Relations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden