Publications by authors named "Berna Polat"
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of childhood psychopathologies in Turkey.
Method: A nation-wide, randomly selected, representative population of 5830 children (6-13 years-old) enrolled as a 2nd,3rd or 4th grade student in 30 cities were evaluated for presence of a psychiatric or mental disorder by a Sociodemographic Form, Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL), and DSM-IV-Based Screening Scale for Disruptive Behavior Disorders in Children and Adolescents scales. Impairment criterion was assessed via a 3 point-Likert scale by the parent and the teacher independently.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to assess the prevalence of affective disorders in a representative sample of Turkish students from second to fourth grades.
- A total of 5,842 participants were analyzed, revealing a 2.5% prevalence of affective disorders, with major depressive disorder (MDD) being the most common at 1.06%.
- The findings suggest the need for early interventions, particularly for children with family risk factors like maternal psychopathology and paternal illness.