FREQUENCY AND PATTERN OF MORBIDITY OF MENTAL HEALTH AMONG CHILDREN

Objectives: The aim of this research work is to find out the rate & pattern of morbidity of mental health attending the OPD (Outpatient Department) of the Jinnah Hospital Lahore. Methodology: This research work was transverse study carried out in the Pediatric outpatient department of the Jinnah Hospital Lahore. Total 200 children up to the age of fourteen years were the part of this research work. The evaluation of these children carried out with the help of the interview and we diagnosed the various psychiatric abnormalities with the help of the diagnosis standard of DSM-4 Results: Psychiatric abnormalities were more common in males as 63.0% (n: 126) in comparison with the females as 37% (n: 74). Most of the patients with the complications were available with the age from 5 to 10 years (62.50%). Among the mental complications, oppositional disobedient abnormalities were 20.0%, ADHD were available in 17.0%, elimination abnormalities & disorders of anxiety were 11.0% in each. The other less common psychiatric disorders were disorder of mood, somatoform abnormalities, disorders of specific development, sentimental & habit abnormalities. Conclusion: The morbidities of the mental health are very vital issues in low age children attending the clinic of psychiatry in pediatric OPD of the Jinnah Hospital. The quick sense of parents, doctors and teachers for awareness is the requirement. So, an early consultation should be carry out prior to the development of the condition of illness. Key Words: Psychiatric, Vital, Abnormalities, Complication, Disorder, Psychosomatic, Disorders, Consultation