Prevalence of children’s mental health disorders and implications in pharmacotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Childhood and adolescence are critical stages during which mental health disorders may develop and profoundly impact individuals and families in the future. Understanding the prevalence and distribution of these disorders is crucial for public health policies and interventions. This analysis aims to summarize current evidence of the prevalence and geographic distribution of mental health disorders among children and adolescents to inform the development of effective psychopharmacological treatments. The data were systematically gathered from the most commonly used databases worldwide, including PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, PSYNDEX, MEDLINE, and the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), as well as from current literature to ensure comprehensive coverage. The studies using standardized assessment procedures and recognized diagnostic standards (i.e. DSM, DC, SDQ) were included in the final analysis. Our findings indicated that the prevalence of mental health disorders in children and adolescents is higher than previously reported and varies widely across the regions. The analysis underlines the imperative for extensive, culturally attuned research and fortifies the call for global cooperation to surmount the challenges posed by these mental health disorders. It accentuates the need to appreciate the intricate interplay of cultural, socioeconomic, and healthcare factors to improve mental healthcare infrastructure and endorse equitable care access worldwide. The pursuit of evidence-based public health policies and pharmacotherapy is deemed crucial for improving the prevention and management of mental illnesses in children and adolescents.