Time Trends in Dutch Children's Mental Health

textabstractThis study investigated time trends in Dutch children's and adolescent's mental health problems by comparing population samples from different time periods. From 1983 to 2003, 6-16-year-olds parent-reported internalizing problems increased. No increases were seen regarding the emotional and behavioral problems of 2- and 3-year-olds between 1989 to 2003. Self-reported alcohol use and suicidal behavior increased. These trends mostly affected girls' functioning. Service-use increased from 3.5% in 1993 to 5.9% in 2003. This increase was partly due to increases in the proportion of children from a single parent family or children with educational problems