Pediatricians and Child Psychiatry

Pediatric Psychiatry

The numbers of psychiatrists have been steadily increasing over the last 30 years, psychiatrists more so than neurologists. 893 certified psychiatrists were registered by the end of 2002 which corresponds to roughly one psychiatrist per 9.000 inhabitants. Untreatedmental illness can mean reduced employment, family breakdown, homelessness and suicide. The burden extends beyond the individual to family and friends. Neuropsychiatric disorders are the second cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Europe and account for 19%, with only 4% after cardiovascular disorders. About 27% of the adult population had experienced at least one of a series of mental disorders which includes problems arising from substance use, psychosis, depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Mental illness affects people of all ages, with a significant impact on many young people.