A Systematic Review of Mental Health Disorders and Interventions in Children: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Treatment Outcomes

Abstract

1. Objectives:  This systematic review sought to: (1) Assess and compare global and regional prevalence estimates of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and ASD among minors aged 0-18 (2) Identify and compare determinants (socioeconomic, family, environment) and protection mechanisms to these conditions; and (3) Analyze the relative effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy, school-based programs, medications, and digital therapies.

   Materials & Methods:  Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published from 2010 to April 2025. Eligible studies included observational and interventional designs involving participants aged 0–18 years. Sixty-four studies meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed using a narrative synthesis framework.

   Results:  Prevalence estimates varied widely across disorders: depression (12%), anxiety (9%), ADHD (6–9%), and ASD (1.5%). Socioeconomic hardship, adverse childhood experiences, and parental mental illness emerged as consistent risk factors, while supportive parenting and strong school attachment acted as protective influences. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), school-based programs, and digital interventions showed significant though variable effectiveness. Recent global data underscore the growing mental health crisis, with the rates of depression and anxiety among adolescents significantly increasing—depression by 60% between 2017 and 2021 and anxiety by 61% between 2016 and 2023.

   Conclusion:  Childhood mental disorders remain underdiagnosed and undertreated globally. Multisectoral, culturally sensitive, particularly CBT and school-based models, are essential to improve early detection and access.