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Patterns of childhood psychiatric disorders in India

  • Symposium—Pediatric Psychiatry
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Abstract

Epidemiological studies on the prevalence and patterns of childhood psychiatric disorders in India are practically non-existent. The present study was carried out to systematically analyse the demographic and diagnostic variables relating to the children attending the child guidance clinic over three consecutive years. There was predominance of males, within an age range of 6–14 years. The commonest problem seen was mental retardation (30%) followed by epilepsy (16%). Of the emotional disorders, most frequently encountered was neuroses. Relatively fewer cases were seen of conduct disorder, emotional disorders specific to childhood, hyperkinetic syndrome or specific developmental delays.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, P.G.I.M.E.R., Chandigarh

    S. Malhotra M.D. (Assistant Professor)

  2. Department of Psychiatry, N.I.M.H.A.N.S., Bangalore

    S. K. Chaturvedi M.D.

Authors
  1. S. Malhotra M.D.
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  2. S. K. Chaturvedi M.D.
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Malhotra, S., Chaturvedi, S.K. Patterns of childhood psychiatric disorders in India. Indian J Pediatr 51, 235–240 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02825933

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