The World Health Organization reported in 2001 that about 20% of children worldwide suffer from a disabling mental illness. This represents, accordingly to the 2000 Brazilian Census, approximately 11 million Brazilian children and adolescents suffer from mental disorders. Mental disorders affecting the cognition, emotion and behavior interfere on the capability to learn, to maintain attention as well as to develop a good relationship with the family and community. The mental disorders developing during the childhood tend to persist in the adolescence and adult life. Often these suffering children end up developing antisocial behavior, marital problems, poor physical health, and often they will abuse of illegal substances.
The objectives of this line of research are to investigate the neurobiological, psychobiological as well as the gene-environment aspects of mental illness such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders, learning disorders, and mood disorders in children and adolescents.
The ultimate goal is to develop better strategies for prevention, treatment and diagnosis for these debilitating mental illness affecting children worldwide. Thus, increasing the chances for these children to have a better quality of life, and the capacity of societies to be safer and more productive.
> Talk to the Coordinator of this Research Dr. Mara Cordeiro, PhD.