The objective of the present research was to investigate the characteristics and most frequent behavioral and emotional complaints of patients assisted by a public service of Psychology directed to Children. The participants involved in the study were 129 children or adolescents. Data were collected from medical records, by means of a medical form containing, among other issues, information about gender, age, education and main complaints. The frequencies and percentages of the referred complaints were figured out and, the significance analysis of differences was performed according to a gender division.. The most often complaints reported were: aggressiveness (32.6%), learning difficulties (30.2%), low tolerance to frustration and/or difficulty to control impulses (24.8%) and lack of interest in school subjects (19.4%). There were significant differences between genders, for complaints such as, lack of interest in school subjects, disobedience and behaviors typically associated to depression/suicide attempt. It is necessary to reconsider the mental health policies, paying special attention to the increase of aggressiveness, depression and difficulties regarding learning.
Mental health; child; public health
