Psychiatric Background and Diagnoses of Children Evaluated for Special Class Placement

We assessed the psychiatric histories and DSM-III diagnoses of all schoolchildren (N = 177) in one geographic area who were referred for potential placement in classes for children with social and emotional disturbances (SED). An extremely high prevalence of serious psychopathology was demonstrated among the entire group. In children aged 6–12 years, Attention Deficit Disorder was the most common diagnosis, while Affective Disorders were the most frequent in older children (13–18 years). The types of psychiatric disorders were similar but of significantly greater severity in children subsequently recommended for SED placement. The SED group had significantly more abused children and parents with psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, a majority of the children had not received previous psychiatric care or special educational help.