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. METHOD: 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.