The finding that only about half of youth with a lifetime DSM-IV disorder report severe impairment confirms previous research demonstrating that a smaller proportion of youth with mental disorders actually have sufficiently severe distress or impairment to warrant immediate intervention.9 According to prior research, about one out of every ten youths with a current mental disorder fulfill criteria for Serious Emotional Disorder (SED) based on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) definition (e.g., a mental health problem that has a drastic impact on a child’s ability to function socially, academically, and emotionally). 9,26 While our study did not strictly assess all of the criteria for SED, our estimates of severe disorders were based on the full diagnostic criteria for DSM-IV disorders accompanied by severe impairment in major life roles.
