1 in 5 Children Predicted to Have a Mental Disorder

A shocking report indicates that in an average classroom of 20 children, at least four of them will have a mental disorder.

The report looks at the number of U.S. children aged 3 to 17 years who have specific mental disorders. Using information from various different sources covering the period 2005 to 2011, they came up with estimates for what percentage of children currently have mental disorders.

The report indicates the following:

• ADHD: 6.8 percent, or 1 in 14
• Behavioral or conduct problem: 3.5 percent, or 1 in 28
• Anxiety: 3.0 percent, or 1 in 33
• Depression: 2.1 percent, or 1 in 50
• Autism spectrum disorders: 1.1 percent, or 1 in 100

The report also showed the percentage of adolescents with substance use disorders or cigarette dependence in the past year, indicating the following:

• Illicit drug use disorder: 4.7 percent, or 1 in 20
• Alcohol use disorder: 4.2 percent, or 1 in 25
• Cigarette dependence: 2.8 percent, or 1 in 36

Lastly, statistics show that in 2010, suicide was the second leading cause of death among youth ages 12 to 17.

And the report found that in 2010, suicide was the second leading cause of death among youth ages 12 to 17. This provides an alarming concern that researchers hope to find more information on with further studies.

The information regarding the report can be found through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.