Although there is a substantial body of literature on patterns of comorbidity of mental and physical disorders in adults,86,103,104 the association between physical illness and mental disorders has only recently received attention in child psychiatric epidemiology.105,106 Several prospective studies have shown that children with physical illness are more likely to develop depression,106 and other studies have shown that, children with emotional disorders have an increased risk of developing physical disorders.72 Several ongoing studies are investigating the biologic links between mental and physical disorders such as asthma and anxiety disorders,107 and diabetes and mood disorders.108 Other studies examine the impact of comorbid physical and mental disorders on youth and their families.109
