Health-related quality of life of children and adolescents with mental disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the health-related quality of life (HRQL) between children aged 6-17 years with one of three mental disorders (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, major depressive disorder, or conduct disorder), a physical disorder, and those with none of these disorders.


METHODS
Parent reports describing the HRQL, mental disorders, and physical disorders of a national sample of 3,597 children and adolescents in Australia, aged 6-17 years (response rate = 70%), were obtained by means of a structured diagnostic interview and questionnaires.


RESULTS
After controlling for age, gender, and family structure, children with mental disorders were reported to have a significantly worse HRQL in several domains than children with no disorder. In many areas they were reported to have a worse HRQL than children with physical disorders. Parents also reported that the problems of children with mental disorders interfered significantly with the daily lives of children, parents, and families.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings are consistent with previous studies which have reported that adults with mental disorders have substantial impairment in their HRQL. The findings suggest that children with a mental disorder require help in many areas of their lives. Achieving this will require an integrated approach to health care delivery rather than the current distinction between physical and mental health services.
Sawyer
Michael G
MG
Department of Paediatrics and Psychiatry, Adelaide University, South Australia, Australia. michael.sawyer@adelaide.edu.au
Whaites
Leanne
L
Rey
Joseph M
JM
Hazell
Philip L
PL
Graetz
Brian W
BW
Baghurst
Peter
P
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012803:Sick Role; D012917:Social Adjustment