Key findings from the second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing

Objective:To estimate the prevalence of mental disorders in children and adolescents in Australia, and the severity and impact of those mental disorders.Method:Seven mental disorders were assessed using the parent- or carer-completed version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV, and major depressive disorder was also assessed using the youth self-report version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV. Severity and impact were assessed using an extended version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV impact on functioning questions, and days absent from school due to symptoms of mental disorders. Data were collected in a national face-to-face survey of 6310 parents or carers of children and adolescents aged 4–17 years, with 2969 young people aged 11–17 years also completing a self-report questionnaire.Results:Twelve-month prevalence of mental disorders was 13.9%, with 2.1% of children and adolescents having severe disorders, 3.5% having mode...