Mental disorders in foster children

A study of prevalence, comorbidity and risk factors

Bibliographic Data

ID23324145
AuthorsStine Lehmann (0000-0002-3660-0601, University of Bergen, corresponding author), Odd E Havik (University of Bergen), Toril Havik (Uni Research (Norway)), Einar R Heiervang, Einar Heiervang (0000-0002-8871-1098, University of Oslo)
Year2013
Volume7
Issue1
Pages39
Publication date2013-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChild and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1753-2000 • E-ISSN: 1753-2000
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1186/1753-2000-7-39
PMID24256809
PMCIDPMC3922948
OpenAlexW2170157396
LanguageEN
Citations received68
References cited48

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of mental disorders in 6- to 12-year-old foster children and assess comorbidity and risk factors. METHODS: Information on mental health was collected from foster parents and from teachers using Developmental and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) Web-based diagnostic interview. Child welfare services provided information about care conditions prior to placement and about the child's placement history. RESULTS: Diagnostic information was obtained about 279 (70.5%) of 396 eligible foster children. In total, 50.9% of the children met the criteria for one or more DSM-IV disorders. The most common disorders were grouped into 3 main diagnostic groups: Emotional disorders (24.0%), ADHD (19.0%), and Behavioural disorders (21.5%). The comorbidity rates among these 3 main groups were high: 30.4% had disorders in 2 of these 3 diagnostic groups, and 13.0% had disorders in all 3 groups. In addition, Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) was diagnosed in 19.4% of the children, of whom 58.5% had comorbid disorders in the main diagnostic groups. Exposure to violence, serious neglect, and the number of prior placements increased the risk for mental disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Foster children in Norway have a high prevalence of mental disorders, compared to the general child population in Norway and to other societies. The finding that 1 in 2 foster children presented with a mental disorder with high rates of comorbidity highlight the need for skilled assessment and qualified service provision for foster children and families.

Child and adolescent psychiatry · Comorbidity · Environmental health · Foster care · Mental health · National Comorbidity Survey · Neglect · Population · Prevalence of mental disorders · Psychiatry · Child Abuse and Trauma · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Child Welfare and Adoption · Clinical Psychology · Medicine · Pediatrics

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