Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 April 2011
Reported one-year prevalence of service use due to mental disorders in children and adolescents from the general population varies according to country, organization of services, and services considered. Among factors associated with use of services, the literature lists parental and school personnel's perception of problems, having a psychiatric diagnosis (especially externalizing), symptom severity, comorbid disorders, functional impairment, family burden, family environment or being a boy (Cabiya et al., 2006; Farmer et al., 2003; Sayal, 2004). A better understanding of these factors may help to optimize access to services of children needing help.