Utilization of Mental Health Services for Children Relative to Social Class. A Pilot Study

Authors

H. K. von Brauchitsch

Abstract

Two groups of children were selected from those evaluated and treated over a two-year period. The study attempted to contrast the mental health care needs and the health care delivery system of children from the uppermost classes against those of the lowest classes. Very few diagnostic discriminators were found. Prevalence of intellectual dysfunctions In the lower classes and neuroses in the upper classes did not correlate with behavior pattern of "acting out" or "acting in." Autistic psychoses were found almost exclusively among the upper classes; suicidality almost exclusively In the lower classes. Upper class children were more frequently referred by their private family physicians, lower class children by agencies and particularly by the Emergency Room. An attempt at followup indicated the probability that lower class clients tended to terminate treatment prematurely, a tendency that was totally equilibrated by the tendency of upper class clients not to enter into treatment at all.

Recommended Citation

von Brauchitsch, H. K. (1975) "Utilization of Mental Health Services for Children Relative to Social Class. A Pilot Study," Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal : Vol. 23 : No. 2 , 71-80.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/hfhmedjournal/vol23/iss2/5