Bullies far more likely to have mental illness - study

4:04 PM Tuesday Oct 23, 2012

Researchers have been able to prove bullies are more likely to suffer from mental illness. Photo / Thinkstock

Children who are bullies are three times more likely to suffer mental health problems like anxiety, depression and ADHD, researchers say.

Researchers from the American Academy of Paediatrics at Brown University analysed data from the 2007 US National Survey of Children's Health. The survey quizzed about 64,000 children and their families. About 15 per cent of parents admitted their child was a bully, Medical Daily website reported.

The children who were bullies were six times more likely than other participants to suffer oppositional defiant disorder - a condition characterised by hostility and anger, especially towards figures of authority. They were three times more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and ADHD.

- www.nzherald.co.nz