Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Prevalence and comorbidity of mental disorders among N > 90,000 children and adolescents: A comprehensive overview |
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| Contribution code | D3.157 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aims: The DREAMS consortium consists of four major academic child and adolescent psychiatry centers in the Netherlands that treat complex child psychiatric disorders. This study seeks to provide a unique and comprehensive overview of the prevalence and comorbidity patterns of mental disorders within the DREAMS cohort. Methods: We analyzed DSM-5 diagnoses from medical records of all children (0.5–18 years) treated at DREAMS centers between 2015 and 2023. Data were collected during routine clinical practice, predominantly from outpatient care. Results and Conclusions: From 2015 until 2023, 90,336 children (mean age = 11.2 years, SD = 6.2; 57.5% male) were treated at a DREAMS center. Of these, 72.0% had at least one registered DSM-5 diagnosis. The most common primary diagnoses were autism spectrum disorder (34.2%), ADHD (25.6%), and posttraumatic stress disorder (6.5%). Comorbidity was prevalent, with 71.5% of children having at least one additional diagnosis. Comorbidity patterns, sex differences, and trends in DSM-5 diagnoses over the 9-year period will be presented. The observed rates of autism and ADHD are high compared to global prevalence estimates. Our findings underscore the importance of real-world diagnostic data in enhancing our understanding of psychiatric disorders, refining diagnostic protocols, and improving personalized treatment approaches for children and adolescents. Further research is essential to optimize care and treatment outcomes within this population. This presentation will not only delve into the current findings but also explore future directions to advance the field. |