Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties in Children

In 2005-2006, 15% of children (18% of boys and 11% of girls) aged 4-17 years old had parents who talked to a health care provider or school staff about their child's emotional or behavioral difficulties.

Approximately 2.9 million children (5.1%) were prescribed medication for these difficulties. 89% of these children received medication for symptoms of ADHD.

5.3% of children received treatment other than, or in addition to, medication for emotional and/or behavioral difficulties. One-half of these children received medication as well as other treatments. More than 50% received treatment at a mental health clinic or center while close to 4 in 10 received treatment at school. One quarter of the children received treatment at a pediatric or general medical clinic.

See the report here.