Epidemiology of the Prevalence Study of Psychiatric Disorders in the Teachers of Exceptional Education Department in Kerman in the Year 2001-2002

The education of exceptional children (the children who are physically or mentally handicapped) is stressful, and could be the cause of teacher’s burn out. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in exceptional school teachers in Kerman city in the year 2001-2002. This cross-sectional study was designed with census sampling in exceptional schools teachers in Kerman city in the year 2001-2002. Data collection form was symptom-checklist-90-Revised questioner (SCL-90-R). The total number of sample were 235, but only 215 questioners were completed and was analyzed (respondent rate was 91.4%). The result of this study indicated psychiatric disorders in 3 levels as shown below. Mild 38.1%, moderate 3.3%, severe 1.4%. Depression was the most frequent disorder in both sexes (86.1%), paranoid ideation was the least (33.9%). There were not any significant differences between sex and marital status or other background factors in psychiatric disorders according to SCL-90-R index. There was no difference according to GSI index (Global severity index) between females and males. Comparison between the above results and other studies suggest the necessity of more attention in mental health among this group.