Mental health problems can affect many people of all demographics. Often overlooked are the youth. A recent study confirms that children are lacking in mental health care.
A shortage of mental health professionals specializing in children seems to be the main culprit, according to National Institute of Mental Health researcher Dr. Kathleen R. Merikangas as reported to Reuters Health.
"We need to get these kids the help they need and determine what the best type of intervention to help kids from suffering needlessly.”
A survey of over 3,000 children was conducted between 2001 and 2004. Children between the ages of eight and 15 were examined for common mental health disorders such as anorexia, depression, ADHD and conduct disorder. More than 13 percent met the criteria for at least one disorder, while two percent rated for at least two disorders. Nearly nine percent qualified for ADHD, while 3.7 percent met criteria for depression. 55 percent of those with a mental health disorder sought treatment, while only a third of youth sought anxiety disorder treatment.
The demographics also told a compelling tale. Teenagers in lower socioeconomic status were more likely to report having ADHD. African-Americans and Mexican-Americans were less likely to seek treatment.
Added Merikangas: "We need to raise awareness that most of the problems that we see in adults in terms of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, even psychosis, begin in adolescence, some in childhood. We need to identify these kids so that we can prevent these conditions from interfering their development -- and life."
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