Changes in referrals to child and adolescent psychiatric services in Norway 1992–2001

Background The study analyzes changes in types of problems referred to child and adolescent psychiatry in Norway from 1992 to 2001, and investigates if referral practices and media attention account for these changes. Method All referrals to child and adolescent psychiatry in Norway in the period 1992–2001 were analyzed, as well as frequencies of articles in media on psychiatric problems. Results The shares of referrals for sadness/depression increased from 0.5 % to 15.4%. Referrals for hyperactivity/attention problems increased from 1.2 % to 13.6%. The increases could be statistically attributed to decreased use of other referral categories, and/or alternatively to media attention on these and related topics. Convergence between diagnosis and corresponding referral problem increased in the period. Conclusions Referrals for sadness/depression and hyperactivity/ attention problems increased sharply in Norway during the 1990s. This increase may be attributed to a different understanding of and a sharper look at these problems by referral agencies and by increased media attention.