CDC study finds 1 in 5 children have mental disorder

In its first-ever study of mental disorders among children, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that childhood mental illnesses affect up to one in five kids and cost $247 billion per year in medical bills, special education and juvenile justice (Source: “Up to 1 in 5 children suffer from mental disorder: CDC,” Reuters, May 16, 2013).

According to the report, Children with mental disorders -- defined as "serious deviations from expected cognitive, social, and emotional development" -- often have trouble learning in school, making friends, and building relationships later in life. They are more likely to have other chronic health problems, such as asthma and diabetes, and are at risk for developing mental illnesses as adults.

"This is a deliberate effort by CDC to show mental health is a health issue. As with any health concern, the more attention we give to it, the better. It's parents becoming aware of the facts and talking to a healthcare provider about how their child is learning, behaving, and playing with other kids," Dr. Ruth Perou, the lead author of the study, told Reuters in an interview.