Childhood internalizing behaviour: analysis and implications

Accessible summary Important internalizing conditions include depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, somatic complaints and teenage suicide. Genetic, environmental and social factors have been implicated as potential causes. Data on the prevalence of these disorders varies. Although cognitive‐behavioural and pharmacological approaches therapies have been effective in managing symptoms, prevention programmes aimed at reducing exposure to drugs, environmental chemicals and violence/abuse are also important given the large role that environmental and social factors play. Apart from the significant impact internalizing behaviour can have by itself, it is also associated with other negative outcomes including other psychological disorders. Therefore, implementing early treatment and prevention programmes for internalizing disorders needs to be a priority in order to pre‐empt these serious consequences. Abstract The concept of ‘internalizing behaviour’ reflects a child's emotional or psychological state and typically includes depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, somatic complaints and teenage suicide. Genetic and environmental causes have been largely implicated, although research continues to explore social etiological factors. Some research suggests females may be especially vulnerable to internalizing disorders, while data across ethnicities are somewhat variable. Regarding treatment, cognitive‐behavioural therapies and use of pharmacological approaches (i.e. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) have both shown great promise in reducing symptoms of internalizing disorders. However, given the role of the social environment, prevention programmes aimed at reducing exposure to drugs, violence/abuse and environmental toxins are highly important. Internalizing disorders are associated with a host of deleterious outcomes (e.g. school drop‐out, substance use and potentially suicide) as well as psychopathological outcomes (e.g. co‐morbid anxiety or depression, externalizing disorders – including suicide). Children with mental health problems suffer educationally and are more likely to become entangled in the justice and welfare systems. Clearly, early treatment and prevention programmes for internalizing disorders need to be a priority from a public health perspective as well as from a family and community perspective.