| Abstract [eng] |
Objective. To analyze the occurrence and characteristics of comorbid mental health disorders in children and adolescents. Methods. The data were collected by retrospectively analyzing the medical documentation of the University Department of Children and Adolescents of the Vilnius Republican Psychiatric Hospital from January 2015 to December 2022. The collected data included sociodemographic indicators, main and comorbid diagnoses. An extensive literature review was conducted. Results. Of the 304 study participants, 71.3% of patients had a comorbid diagnosis, with 69.1% having co-occurring mental disorders. Mixed disorder of conduct and emotions was associated with mild mental retardation (12.5%, p=0.001) and mental and conduct disorders due to alcohol consumption (7.3%, p=0.003). In the sample of patients with emotional disorders in childhood, a relationship was found with negative events experienced in childhood (37.1%, p=0.004), institutional education (11.4%, p=0.003), and mixed learning disabilities (16.7%, p=0.001). Self-harm was prevalent among 33.3% of teenagers with moderate depression and schizoaffective disorder. Socialized conduct disorder was significantly associated with mental and conduct disorders due to use of psychoactive substances (22.2%, p=0.002). Patients with acute polymorphic psychotic disorder with schizophrenic symptoms often had cystitis (22.2%, p=0.001), acne (22.2%, p=<0.001) and bacterial infections (22,2%, p=0,021). Conclusions. The occurrence of comorbidity of mental disorders varies in age and disorder groups and can reach over 70%. Although this may cause diagnostic and treatment challenges, the concept of comorbidity emphasizes the complex components of child and adolescent psychopathology and helps to individualize treatment focused on the multiple problems of the patient. |
