Mental Health Facts

Figures from the 2004 Office of National Statistics (ONS) surveys:

• In 1999 and 2004 showed that 10% of children suffer from mental health problems, with some vulnerable groups particularly affected
• Among children aged five to 15 years old,
  • 6% had clinically significant conduct disorders,
  • 4% had emotional disorders (anxiety and depression) and
  • 2% were hyperactive.
• More boys than girls had mental disorders (11% and 8% respectively). This difference holds even controlling for age. The gender difference was also apparent among those with conduct disorders and hyperkinetic disorders. Among those with emotional disorders there was no gender difference among 5-10 year olds, but prevalence was higher for girls than boys aged 11-16 years old.
• Indian children had a low rate of mental disorders, 3% compared with 7%-10% in other groups. The prevalence of hyperactive disorders was among all non-white groups.

Source www.teachernet.gov.uk (external link) - January 17 2007.