A report published on the study of the Prevalence of Serious Emotional Disturbances of Children and Adolescents by Robert M Friedman, PH. D along with 3 other colleagues from the Florida Mental Health Institute discuss Public Law 102-321 from 1992 requiring the center for mental health to place a clear definition for "emotional disturbance". I found this article interesting as it combines multiple resources and studies conducted of teens and younger children across the U.S. and compile their findings for a comparable analysis. This study finds the estimated prevalence rate for emotional disturbances in children ages 9-17, is in the range of 9% to 13%, I was also surprised on their findings (based on socioeconomic status). The study also went on to discuss the needs of these children being met, or lack there of. The conclusion of the study suggests there are a large number of children who need Mental Health Services and how children with extreme disturbances are greatly under served. Even though my knowledge of E.D. is pretty slim, even in 1993 they suggest in order to improve the services and meet the needs of these children there needs to be collaborative from all agencies involved for the greater good of the child.
Link to Study
I wouldn't be surprised that your socioeconomic status is a factor that contributes to your emotional distress. After reading the article it stated that children in low socioeconomic status' were the ones that suffered from emotional distrubances. I feel that there are many factors that can contribute to this such as what happens in your neighborhood, the stress that the child's parent may have, not having enough food, no electricity, abuse etc. These factors could have a tremendous amount of stress on a child and could cause them to become emotional disturbed.
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