Parental perception of mental health needs in young children

• DOI: 10.1111/camh.12515
• Publication Date: 2021-10-18T03:56:55Z
• Authors: Ellen W. McGinnis; William Copeland; Lilly Shanahan; Helen L. Egger
• Keywords: Depression

Background There is evidence of unmet psychiatric needs in children under 6. These young are dependent on their parents to identify mental health needs. This study tested child and parent associations with perception need. Method Parents 917 (aged 2–6 years) completed a diagnostic interview about assessing depression, anxiety, ODD/CD, ADHD, impairment. were surveyed own asked also whether they perceived as having Results Only 38.8% who met criteria for diagnosis by need, similar previously studied rates school‐aged children. Perception need was associated higher levels symptoms Thresholds at least half perceiving relatively high: 19 or more symptoms, 4 impairments. specificity: depressive disorders likely be compared other disorders. In terms factors, parental when the had diagnosis. Parental psychological impairment no Conclusions Most preschool that meet disorder not needing help parents, which both factors.