Risk factors and children's mental health problems

The goals of this study were to describe mental health problems presented by children from 4 to 11 years old attended in a clinic-school, and to identify risk factors present in their life histories. The Multiple Cases Studies technique was used. Forty children were evaluated. The data collection procedures included interviews and psychological tests with the children, and semi-structured interviews with the parents for Anamnesis rising. Mostly depression problems, besides conduct and anxiety problems were identified. Multiple risk factors were associated, mostly psychological and social factors, have suffered violence, environmental problems and life stressing events. Theses factors were described by the literature. We argue these results implications, in terms of prevention strategies, intervention and publics policies