Continuity of psychiatric disorders between 6 and 11 years of age in the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort

Author(s)

La Maison, Carolina ; Maruyama, Jessica M. ; Munhoz, Tiago N. ; Santos, Ina S. ; do Amaral, Mariana R. ; Anselmi, Luciana ; Barros, Fernando C. ; Pastor-Valero, Maria ; Matijasevich, Alicia

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria; v. 42, n. 5, p. 7-pg., 2020-09-01.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the incidence and homotypic and heterotypic continuity of psychiatric disorders between ages 6 and 11. Methods: In 2004, all live births in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, were recorded (n=4,231). Psychiatric disorders were assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). SDQ subscale scores (emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer relationship problems) were categorized as normal or abnormal. To examine associations between problems over time, odds ratios were computed using logistic regression. Results: Any SDQ difficulty was observed in 350 children (10.4%, 95%CI 9.4-11.5) at age 6 and 476 (14.2%, 95%CI 13.0-15.4) at age 11, with a higher prevalence among boys at both ages. Between ages 6 and 11, there was a 50 and a 45% increase in the prevalence of emotional and hyperactivity/inattention symptoms, respectively. Among those who had any SDQ difficulty at age 6, that status persisted in 81% at age 11. We found homotypic continuity of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer relationship problems. Conclusions: Our results indicate an increasing incidence of psychiatric disorders in this age group, with rates of disorders and continuity patterns similar to those observed in other studies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/22723-5 - Repercussion of maternal depression on children's socioemotional competences in early adolescence: 2004 Pelotas birth cohort
• Grantee: Jessica Mayumi Maruyama
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 14/13864-6 - Mental disorders, substance use and executive functions in early adolescence in a birth cohort
• Grantee: Alicia Matijasevich Manitto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants