Prevalence and Correlates of Psychiatric Disorders in a National Survey of Iranian Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Objective: Considering the impact of rapid sociocultural, political, and economical changes on societies and families, population-based surveys of mental disorders in different communities are needed to describe the magnitude of mental health problems and their disabling effects at the individual, familial, and societal levels. Method : A population-based cross sectional survey (IRCAP project) of 30 532 children and adolescents between 6 and 18 years was conducted in all provinces of Iran using a multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected by 250 clinical psychologists trained to use the validated Persian version of the semi-structured diagnostic interview Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-PL (K-SADS-PL). Results: In this national epidemiological survey, 6209 out of 30 532 (22.31) were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder. The anxiety disorders (14.13) and behavioral disorders (8.3) had the highest prevalence, while eating disorders (0.13) and psychotic symptoms (0.26) had the lowest. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was significantly lower in girls (OR = 0.85; 95 CI: 0.80-0.90), in those living in the rural area (OR = 0.80; 95 CI: 0.73-0.87), in those aged 15-18 years (OR = 0.92; 95 CI: 0.86-0.99), as well as that was significantly higher in those who had a parent suffering from mental disorders (OR = 1.96; 95 CI: 1.63-2.36 for mother and OR = 1.33; 95 CI: 1.07-1.66 for father) or physical illness (OR = 1.26; 95 CI: 1.17-1.35 for mother and OR = 1.19; 95 CI: 1.10-1.28 for father). Conclusion: About one fifth of Iranian children and adolescents suffer from at least one psychiatric disorder. Therefore, we should give a greater priority to promoting mental health and public health, provide more accessible services and trainings, and reduce barriers to accessing existing services.