Any Mood Disorder Among Children - Statistics

Mood disorders represent a category of mental disorders in which the underlying problem primarily affects a person’s persistent emotional state (their mood). The statistics below, derived from the National Comorbidity Survey – Replication (NCS-R), represent people experiencing major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and/or bipolar disorder.

Most youth are healthy, physically and emotionally, yet one in every four to five youth in the general population meet criteria for a lifetime mental disorder that is associated with severe role impairment and/or distress (11.2 percent with mood disorders, 8.3 percent with anxiety disorders, and 9.6 percent behavior disorders). A national and international literature review found that an average of 17 percent of young people experience an emotional, mental, or behavioral disorder.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’ National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) examines the prevalence of mood disorders among children who are slightly younger than those in the NCS-A. According to NHANES prevalence estimates for 8 to 15 year olds, 3.7 percent of children have a mood disorder, and the prevalence is higher among girls and older children.