Using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to measure the behavior and emotional health of children in schools in the United Kingdom

This article describes the application of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as a tool for understanding the nature and prevalence of mental health disorders in schools within a local authority in the UK. Teachers from 24 primary schools completed the SDQ on behalf of 1.204 children. Illustrative data are presented to highlight its relevance to policy-makers and schools. The article discusses the ways in which the data may be used to improve mental health and school performance by considering where resources are best allocated, by challenging expected patterns of mental health and by using data to inform the design, implementation and evaluation of strategies and services to improve mental health.