Youth homicide: a study of homicide predictor factors in adolescent offenders in custody in the south of Brazil / Homicídio juvenil: fatores preditores em adolescentes privados de liberdade no sul do Brasil

Abstract Objectives To assess the sociodemographic, psychiatric and criminal profile of adolescent offenders complying with temporary custody for homicide/homicide attempt and to compare it to that of the population of adolescents in custody for other crimes. Methods This cross-sectional study was based on the review of the medical records of 74 juvenile offenders in temporary custody at socioeducational agency Fundação de Atendimento Sócio-Educativo do Rio Grande do Sul. For the analysis, variables that presented p < 0.2 were included in multivariate adjustment through logistic regression. Results The sample comprised males only, mostly with white skin color (55.6 vs. 57.9% for homicidal and non-homicidal, respectively) and with a high prevalence of school failure (77.8 vs. 91.2%). There was a high prevalence of family history of delinquency (88 vs. 81%). Only years of study and belonging or not to a criminal organization remained statistically significant in the multivariate model. Conclusion The results show that having fewer years of study and denying belonging to a criminal organization are predictive factors of homicidal behavior in adolescent offenders (both with statistical relevance). The other variables were not statistically significant for this outcome. The present study may serve as a basis for further research, which may improve our understanding of risk factors for juvenile homicide.

Resumo Objetivos Avaliar o perfil sociodemográfico, psiquiátrico e criminal de adolescentes infratores que cumprem internação provisória por homicídio ou tentativa de homicídio e compará-los aos adolescentes privados de liberdade por outros atos infracionais. Métodos Este estudo transversal baseou-se na revisão dos prontuários médicos de 74 adolescentes infratores em internação provisória na Fundação de Atendimento Sócio-Educativo do Rio Grande do Sul. Para a análise, variáveis que apresentaram p <0,2 foram incluídas no ajuste multivariado por meio de regressão logística. Resultados A amostra foi composta apenas por homens, a maioria de pele branca (55,6 versus 57,9% para homicidas e não-homicidas, respectivamente) e com alta prevalência de reprovações escolares (77,8 vs. 91,2%). Houve alta prevalência de antecedentes familiares de delinquência (88 versus 81%). Apenas anos de estudo e pertencimento ou não a uma organização criminosa permaneceram estatisticamente significantes no modelo multivariado. Conclusão Os resultados mostram que ter menos anos de estudo e negar pertencer a uma organização criminosa foram fatores preditivos de comportamento homicida em adolescentes infratores (ambos com relevância estatística). As demais variáveis não foram estatisticamente significativas para esse desfecho. O presente estudo pode servir como base para futuras pesquisas, o que pode melhorar nossa compreensão dos fatores de risco para o homicídio juvenil.

Salud mental infantil: una prioridad a considerar / Children's mental health: a priority to consider

Resumen: Objetivo: Identificar posibles cambios en la frecuencia de manifestaciones sindromáticas sugerentes de problemas de salud mental en población infantil mexicana empleando el Cuestionario Breve de Tamizaje y Diagnóstico (CBTD), a lo largo de 15 años. Material y métodos: Se analiza información de diferentes estudios en población general, escuelas y práctica médica. La estimación obtenida en la Ciudad de México fue utilizada como población de referencia para comparación. Resultados: Se apreciaron incrementos notables respecto a la prevalencia de síndromes como el déficit de atención e hiperactividad, y conducta oposicionista y explosiva, así como manifestaciones de ansiedad y depresivas. Estas últimas resultaron más frecuentes en la edad escolar tardía. Las alteraciones en el lenguaje y la epilepsia también mostraron incremento en diferentes grupos de edad. Conclusiones: Se discuten los hallazgos a la luz de estudios longitudinales en la literatura, así como de reportes de población adolescente en nuestro país.

Abstract: Objective: To identify possible changes in the frequency of psychopathological syndromes in Mexican children population over a 15-year period using the Brief Screening and Diagnostic Questionnaire (CBTD in Spanish). Materials and methods: Information gathered from different studies on the general population, schools and medical general practice are analyzed. Results from the Mexico City study were used as base rates for comparisons. Results: Higher prevalence of externalizing syndromes such as attention deficit and hyperactivity, oppositional and explosive conduct were very evident. Also, anxiety and depressive syndromes showed a notable increase. Prevalence of abnormal language and probable epilepsy were also increased on different age-groups. Conclusions: Findings are discussed in light of longitudinal reports in the literature as well as on reports in adolescent population in Mexico.

Repercusión familiar de los diagnósticos de retraso mental leve y trastorno de conducta / Family Repercussion of the Diagnoses of Mild Mental Retardation and Conduct Behavior

Introducción: Los diagnósticos de retraso mental leve y trastorno de conducta son eventos paranormativos con grandes posibilidades de repercusión familiar. La investigación que se realizó es novedosa pues no existen antecedentes de estudios en los que se comparen los resultados de ambas entidades diagnósticas. Se asumió como principal sustento teórico la propuesta que realizara Patricia Herrera Santí en su tesis doctoral de 2010, enriquecida junto a Idarmis González (2013). Objetivo: Determinar la repercusión familiar de los diagnósticos de retraso mental leve y trastorno de la conducta en el período comprendido entre octubre y noviembre de 2015. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo con un diseño de investigación no experimental y una metodología mixta o cuanti-cualitativa. La muestra estuvo conformada por 20 familias, dividida a su vez en dos submuestras de 10 familias cada una, la primera contaba entre sus miembros con un menor diagnosticado de retraso mental leve, y la segunda la integraban otras 10 familias con un miembro diagnosticado con trastorno de la conducta. Se aplicó el Instrumento de Repercusión Familiar y una entrevista semi-estructurada. Resultados: El nivel de repercusión general fue moderado en su mayoría en ambas categorías diagnósticas, predominando un sentido de la repercusión desfavorable y un impacto predisponente a la afectación de la salud familiar. Conclusiones: Los diagnósticos de retraso mental leve y trastorno de conducta repercutieron en las familias evaluadas, exigiendo en estas algunos cambios en su dinámica interna y modo de vida(AU)

Introduction: The diagnoses of mild mental retardation and conduct disorder are paranormative events with great possibilities of family repercussion. The research conducted is novel because there are no previous studies comparing the results of both diagnostic entities. The proposal that Patricia Herrera Santí presents in her 2010 doctoral dissertation was assumed as the main theoretical support, enriched together with Idarmis González (2013). Objective: To determine the family repercussion of the diagnoses of mild mental retardation and conduct disorder in the period between October and November 2015. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out with a non-experimental research design and a mixed or quantitative-qualitative methodology. The sample consisted of 20 families, divided in turn into two subsamples of 10 families each, the first had among its members a minor diagnosed with mild mental retardation, while the second was composed of 10 other families with a member diagnosed with conduct disorder. The Family Repercussion Instrument and a semi-structured interview were applied. Results: The level of general repercussion was mostly moderate in both diagnostic categories, with a predominance of unfavorable repercussions and a predisposing repercussion on family health. Conclusions: The diagnoses of mild mental retardation and conduct disorder affected the families evaluated, demanding from these some changes in their internal dynamics and way of life(AU)

Trastornos conductuales: actualización en intervenciones con niños y adolescentes / Behavioral disorders: update on interventions with children and adolescents

El presente trabajo, es una revisión actualizada tanto de la conceptualización de los Trastornos Conductuales, como de las principales intervenciones psicoterapéuticas para el tratamiento de estos trastornos, en la infancia y adolescencia; para esto, se consideró las intervenciones que presentan evidencia positiva de su efectividad. Las últimas investigaciones realizadas sobre este trastorno concluyen que las intervenciones psicosociales debieran ser la primera línea de tratamiento y que se debiera considerar las intervenciones psicofarmacológicas sólo en casos específicos, para tratar la sintomatología asociada.

This paper is an updated review of both the conceptualization and the major psychotherapeutic interventions in Behavioral Disorders in childhood and adolescence. We considered the interventions that have positive evidence of their effectiveness. The latest research on Behavioral Disorders conclude that psychosocial interventions should be the first line of treatment and that psychopharmacological interventions should be considered only in specific cases, to treat associated symptoms.

Delinquency and association with behavioral disorders and substance abuse / Delinquência e associação de transtornos comportamentais com abuso de substâncias

Objective: to determine the incidence and associations of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD), and substance abuse disorder (SAD) in adolescents in conflict with the law in a Brazilian cohort. Methods: the Brazilian version of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged-Children (K-SADS-PL) was administered to 69 adolescent boys who were incarcerated for 45 days in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Results: mean age was 15.5 years (range, 12-16.9 years) and most adolescents originated from disadvantaged social classes (87%). They resided in neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city or towns in the greater metropolitan area. Truancy and low educational achievement were common, with 73.9% not currently attending school and 43.4% not having finished the 5th grade. The great majority lived in single-parent families and many had relatives who themselves had problems with the law. Psychiatric disorders were apparent in 81.1% of the subjects, with the most common disorders being CD (59.4%), SAD (53.6%), and ADHD (43.5%). Both ADHD (p <0.001) and CD (p <0.01) had significant associations with substance abuse. Conclusion: in male adolescents in conflict with the law, ADHD, CD, and SAD were all found to be associated with delinquency. .

Objetivo: determinar a incidência e a associação entre transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH), transtorno de conduta (TC) e transtorno de abuso de substâncias (TAS) em adolescentes brasileiros em conflito com a lei. Métodos: a versão brasileira do Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged-Children (K-SADS-PL) foi aplicada em 69 adolescentes do sexo masculino, encarcerados por 45 dias na cidade de Curitiba, Brasil. Resultados: a média de idade foi de 15,5 anos (variação 12 a 16,9 anos ) e a maioria dos adolescentes (87%) era procedente de classes sociais desfavorecidas e residia em bairros na periferia da cidade ou cidades da região metropolitana. Evasão escolar e baixo rendimento escolar foram comuns. Ao todo, 73,9% não frequentavam a escola e 43,4% não concluíram a 5ª série. A grande maioria vivia em famílias monoparentais e muitos tinham parentes de primeiro grau também com problemas com a lei. 81,1% dos adolescentes apresentaram problemas psiquiátricos, e os transtornos mais comuns foram TC (59,4%), TAS (53,6%) e TDAH (43,5%). Nos adolescentes, tanto com TDAH (p < 0,001) quanto com TC (p < 0,01), houve associação significativa com abuso de substâncias. Conclusão: em adolescentes do sexo masculino em conflito com a lei, houve uma associação significativa de TDAH e TC com TAS. .

Psychiatric problems and suicidal behaviour in incarcerated adolescents in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Data are lacking about the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and suicidal behaviour in incarcerated adolescents in Asia. This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the prediction of suicidal attempts in 100 incarcerated males aged 12-19 years in Shiraz. Data were collected in face-to-face interview using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia [Farsi version]. The mean age was 16.8 [SD 1.3] years and mean age at first imprisonment was 16.0 [SD 1.5] years. Nearly 70% of the adolescents had at least one current psychiatric disorder, the commonest being: conduct disorder [55%], oppositional defiant disorder [48%] and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [33%]; 11% had major depressive disorder and 2% schizophrenia. In all, 20% had self-harmed without intent to kill themselves and 12% had attempted suicide, 50% of whom had tried more than once. In logistic regression analysis only self-harming behaviour and major depressive disorder were significant predictors of attempted suicide

Prevalência e fatores associados ao transtorno da conduta entre adolescentes: um estudo de base populacional / Prevalence and factors associated with behavioral disorders in adolescents: a population-based study

Este trabalho procurou estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao transtorno da conduta em adolescentes com idade entre 11 e 15 anos. Realizou-se um estudo transversal com 1.145 adolescentes na cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os adolescentes responderam a um questionário auto-aplicado. O transtorno da conduta foi avaliado através do Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Foi investigada a associação desta psicopatologia com sexo, idade, nível sócio-econômico, escolaridade do adolescente, reprovação na escola, religião, sedentarismo, consumo de álcool, tabagismo, uso de drogas, depressão e sofrer bullying. A regressão ordinal foi usada para a análise estatística. Estima-se que, entre os entrevistados, 29,2 por cento tenham transtorno da conduta. Na análise multivariada, a chance de um adolescente apresentar um ponto a mais na escala que avalia transtorno da conduta foi 2,04 (IC95 por cento: 1,53-2,71) vezes maior no sexo masculino. O consumo de bebida alcoólica, o uso de drogas e sofrer bullying estiveram associados com maior pontuação na escala de transtornos de conduta. Os resultados também mostraram que os fatores associados ao transtorno da conduta apontam para a forte interrelação entre comportamentos de saúde na adolescência.

This study proposed to estimate the prevalence of behavioral disorders and associated factors in adolescents (11-15 years), using a cross-sectional design (n = 1,145). Subjects answered a self-administered questionnaire. Behavioral disorder was assessed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). The study analyzed disorders in relation to gender, age, socioeconomic status, schooling, failure in school, religion, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, drug use, depression, and bullying (as victim). Ordinal regression was used for the statistical analysis, with a hierarchical model for the outcome. An estimated 29.2 percent of the sample presented behavioral disorders. In the multivariate analysis, the odds ratio for a male adolescent to present one additional point on the behavioral disorder scale was 2.04 (95 percentCI: 1.53-2.71). Alcohol consumption, drug use, and suffering bullying were associated with higher scores on the behavioral disorder scale. The findings also showed that the factors associated with behavioral disorder showed a strong interrelationship between health behaviors in adolescence.

Severity of alcohol use and problem behaviors among school-based youths in Puerto Rico / Magnitud del consumo de alcohol y comportamientos problemáticos en jóvenes escolarizados en Puerto Rico

OBJECTIVE: The present study sought to: (a) categorize youths into groups based on their level of alcohol use and number of symptoms of alcohol abuse and dependence defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), and (b) examine whether these categories were associated with other problem behaviors in which youths engage (marijuana use, sexual intercourse, and having been arrested or having trouble with the law). METHODS: The study is based on a cross-sectional survey administered to 972 school-based youths from one middle school and one high school in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Youths were categorized based on their alcohol use and alcohol problems. These categories were then examined for associations with lifetime marijuana use, lifetime sexual intercourse, and having been arrested or having had trouble with the law in the past year. The original eight categories of alcohol use were collapsed into six categories based on the results. RESULTS: For virtually every group characterized by higher severity of alcohol use and alcohol problems, researchers found an increasing prevalence of marijuana use in their lifetimes, increasing odds of sexual intercourse in their lifetimes, and having had trouble with the law in the past year. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing about variations in alcohol use and alcohol problems may be instrumental in measuring the degree to which youths may also be engaging in a range of other elevated risk behaviors and a progression to more serious forms of alcohol and drug use.

OBJETIVOS: Se buscó: a) categorizar a los jóvenes según su nivel de consumo de alcohol y el número de síntomas de abuso y dependencia del alcohol definidos en el Manual diagnóstico y estadístico de los trastornos mentales (DSM-IV); y b) analizar si esas categorías están asociadas con otros comportamientos problemáticos de los jóvenes (consumo de marihuana, relaciones sexuales y arrestos o problemas con la ley). MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal basado en una encuesta aplicada a 972 jóvenes que asistían a una escuela secundaria y una preparatoria en San Juan, Puerto Rico. Los jóvenes se categorizaron según el consumo de bebidas alcohólicas y los problemas del alcoholismo. Se buscaron asociaciones entre esas categorías y el consumo de marihuana y las relaciones sexuales -ambas en toda la vida-, así como con los arrestos o problemas con la ley en el año anterior a la encuesta. A partir de los resultados, las ocho categorías iniciales según el consumo de alcohol se reagruparon en seis. RESULTADOS: Prácticamente en todos los grupos caracterizados por un mayor consumo de bebidas alcohólicas y mayores problemas del alcoholismo se observó un aumento en la prevalencia de consumo de marihuana y la probabilidad de haber tenido relaciones sexuales, ambas en toda la vida, así como de haber tenido problemas con la ley durante el año anterior. CONCLUSIONES: Conocer las variaciones en el consumo de bebidas alcohólicas y los problemas del alcoholismo puede servir para medir el grado en que los jóvenes pueden involucrarse en diversos comportamientos de mayor riesgo y avanzar a formas más peligrosas de consumo de alcohol y drogas.

Labeling disorder: the relationship between conduct problems and drug use in adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To verify how conduct disorder and conduct problems are associated with gender, age at onset of drug use and categories of drugs used. METHOD: A test of association was conducted between the presence of comorbidity and gender. Mean age of first use of each drug was compared to mean age of first arrest, of first robbery/theft, and of first drug dealing. RESULTS: In this sample, approximately 59 percent of adolescents had already robbed and/or stolen, 38.6 percent had already been arrested, 32.3 percent had prior history of drug dealing, 24.1 percent had depression, and 9.6 percent had conduct disorder. Prevalence of conduct problems was 65.2 percent. Tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and cocaine were used before the first robbery and/or theft, first drug dealing, and first arrest. DISCUSSION: The fact that drug use onset preceded illegal acts suggests that the latter are the consequence of the consumption of the former, or perhaps, the consequence of "social invisibility" (feeling of not belonging to anything or to anybody) by which these youths undergo. CONCLUSIONS: Labeling these youths as conduct-disordered adolescents may cloud a rather different reality, and it may submit them to more social isolation and stigmatization as well.

OBJETIVO: Verificar como o transtorno de conduta e os problemas de conduta se associam ao gênero, a idade de início do uso de drogas e aos tipos de drogas consumidas. MÉTODO: Realizou-se teste de associação entre presença de comorbidade e sexo. As médias de idade do primeiro uso de cada droga foram comparadas com as médias de idade da primeira prisão e das práticas do primeiro roubo e do primeiro tráfico. RESULTADOS: Aproximadamente 59 por cento dos adolescentes já haviam praticado algum tipo de roubo, 38,6 por cento já haviam sido presos, 32,3 por cento possuíam história pregressa de tráfico de drogas, 24,1 por cento tinham depressão e 9,6 por cento transtorno de conduta. A prevalência de problemas de conduta foi de 65,2 por cento. Tabaco, álcool, maconha e cocaína foram usados antes do primeiro roubo, do primeiro tráfico e da primeira prisão. DISCUSSÃO: Os atos ilegais ocorreram posteriormente ao início do uso de drogas, denotando ser conseqüência deste consumo ou, talvez, conseqüência da "invisibilidade social" (sensação de não-pertencimento a nada ou a ninguém) pela qual passam estes jovens. CONCLUSÕES: A rotulação destes jovens como portadores de transtorno de conduta pode ofuscar uma realidade bem diferente, além de submetê-los a uma maior marginalização e estigmatização.

ECI-4 screening of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and co-morbidity in Mexican preschool children: preliminary results / Tamizaje del trastorno por déficit de atención-hiperactividad y su co-morbilidad en preescolares mexicanos por el ECI-4: resultados preliminares

OBJECTIVE: To examine prospectively usefulness of Early Childhood Inventory-4 (ECI-4) in identifying attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder (CD). METHOD: A sample of children <6 years of age were evaluated in school settings with ECI-4 and results compared with those of Conners Rating Scales-Revised (CRS-R) 6 months later. Sample consisted of 34 healthy children (20 boys, 14 girls) prospectively followed-up. RESULTS: Frequency of children fulfill DSM-IV AD-HD criteria in ECI-4 parent scale was 17 percent, and in teacher scale was 32 percent. Frequency of children fulfill DSM-IV AD-HD criteria in parent CRS-R was 20 percent, and for teacher questionnaire was 23 percent. Correlations were significant among teacher ECI-4 and both teacher and parent CRS-R scales. Sensitivity and specificity of teacher and parent ECI-4 scales were not good. Frequency of ODD identified in parent ECI-4 scale was 5 percent, and for teacher 17 percent. Frequency of ODD in CRS-R for parents and teachers questionnaires was 17 percent. CD was not identified by parents in ECI-4 scale, but in teacher scale frequency was 14 percent. CONCLUSION: These facts support partially the use of ECI-4 screening of ADHD in Spanish-speaking preschool children.

OBJETIVO: Examinar prospectivamente la utilidad del Inventario Temprano de la Niñez-4 (Early Childhood Inventory-4, ECI-4) para identificar el trastorno por déficit de atención-hiperactividad (TDAH), el trastorno desafiante-oposicional (TDO) y el trastorno de conducta (TC). MÉTODO: Una muestra de niños <6 años fue evaluada con el ECI-4 en un ambiente escolar y los resultados comparados con los de las Escalas de Conners (Conners Rating Scales-Revised, CRS-R) 6 meses mas tarde. La muestra consistió de 34 niños (20 niños, 14 niñas) seguidos prospectivamente. RESULTADOS: La frecuencia de niños que llenaron los criterios del DSM-IV para TDAH en la escala para padres del ECI-4 fue 17 por ciento, mientras que en la escala para maestros fue 32 por ciento. La frecuencia de niños que llenaron los criterios del DSM-IV para TDA-H en la escala para padres CRS-R fue 20 por ciento, en la escala para maestros fue 23 por ciento. Se hallaron correlaciones significativas entre la escala para maestros del ECI-4 y las escalas para maestros y para padres de CRS-R. La sensibilidad y la especificidad de las escalas para maestros y padres del ECI-4 no fueron alentadoras. La frecuencia del TDO identificada en la escala para padres del ECI-4 fue 5 por ciento y en la escala para maestros fue 17 por ciento. La frecuencia del TDO en la escala para padres y para maestros CRS-R fue 17 por ciento. El TC no fue identificado por los padres con la escala del ECI-4, pero en la escala para maestros, la frecuencia fue de 14 por ciento. CONCLUSION: Los resultados obtenidos apoyan parcialmente el uso de las escalas de tamizaje del ECI-4 para encontrar TDAH, TDO y TC en preescolares mexicanos.

Comorbidades do transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade em crianças escolares / Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder comorbidity in a school sample of children

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a freqüência de transtorno de conduta (TC), transtorno desafiador opositivo (TDO) e transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo (TOC) em crianças com transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH). MÉTODO: Estudo realizado em crianças de 7 a 11 anos com TDAH conforme critérios do DSM-IV (n=35), exame neurológico normal e exame neurológico evolutivo (ENE) segundo Lefèvre alterado. Os responsáveis responderam a questionários contendo os critérios do DSM-IV para TDAH e para comorbidades. RESULTADOS: TDAH do tipo combinado foi o mais prevalente (51,4 por cento). Quatorze crianças (40,0 por cento) apresentaram TC, incluindo duas que apresentaram TC e TOC. Cinco (14,2 por cento) apresentaram apenas TDO e uma (2,8 por cento) apresentou apenas TOC. Onze das quatorze crianças (78,5 por cento) com TC tinham TDAH do tipo combinado (p<0,05). Onze das quinze crianças (73,3 por cento) sem comorbidades eram do tipo desatentas ou hiperativas (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O TDAH apresenta alta freqüência de comorbidade com TC, que parece estar preferencialmente associado ao TDAH combinado.

Tratamiento multisistémico en adolescentes con trastorno disocial / Multisistemic therapy of adolescents with conduct disorder

El presente trabajo muestra las generalidades del trastorno disocial, así como las principales medidas para su reconocimiento y tratamiento. Aborda las generalidades y principios básicos de la terapia multisistémica enfocada para este trastorno; dicha terapia se basa en intervenciones biológicas, psicológicas y sociales, y considera el ámbito ecológico de las manifestaciones de la conducta de adolescentes. Se muestran algunos resultados en la aplicación de la terapia y se discuten sus ventajas y usos potenciales

Analysis of psychiatric morbidity of outpatient children in Mitford Hospital, Dhaka.

The objective of this study was to describe the pattern of psychiatric morbidity among 97 child patients who, for the first time attended the psychiatric outpatient department of Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, in the year 1994. Dissociative disorder (Hysteria) comprised the largest group (21.65%), followed by epilepsy (19.59%). Majority of the cases were within 7-10 years age group with mean age 9.74 (+/- 2.39) years. Male outnumbered female patients and 53.61% cases came from rural background. The findings of the study indicate the need for establishment of child psychiatric treatment centres in different parts of the country including rural areas.