The prevalence of child-psychiatric disorders among 8-9-year-old children in Danish mainstream schools.
OBJECTIVE
Prevalence rates for child psychopathology in Denmark are unknown; and efficient screening and non-respondent analyses are essential for epidemiological purposes.


METHODS
A multi-method strategy involving a two-step design: first screening of 621 children between the ages of 8-9 years attending mainstream education using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). Second, screen-positive probands and a sample of screen-negative probands were given in-depth child-psychiatric assessment. In cases of non-respondents, children were assessed by teachers.


RESULTS
CBCL screening results were compared with case status in clinical assessment. A positive predictive value of 0.25 and a correct classification rate (CCR) of 0.72 were obtained. The teacher interviews, used in cases of non-respondents, had a CCR of 0.87. According to DSM-IV criteria, the prevalence rate of psychiatric disorders was 10.l% [95% CI; 7.0-13.2].


CONCLUSIONS
The CBCL proved an effective screening tool. The brief interview with teachers is a valid assessment of psychiatric disorders among non-respondents.
Bilenberg
N
N
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. niels.bilenberg@ouh.fyns-amt.dk
Petersen
D J
DJ
Hoerder
K
K
Gillberg
C
C
D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012574:Schools