In US, 20% Of Children Have A Mental Disorder

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Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  ADHD;  Mental Health
Article Date: 19 May 2013 - 0:00 PDT Current ratings for:
In US, 20% Of Children Have A Mental Disorder

Nearly 20% of children in the United States suffer from a mental disorder, and the number has been increasing for over a decade, according to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The report covered the topic of mental disorders among children aged 3 to 17 for the first time. The investigators found that childhood mental illnesses affect up to one in five children and cost close to $247 billion per year in medical expenses, juvenile justice, and special education.

An earlier report from 2009 reported that the costs of treating mental illness reached $8.9 billion in 2006, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Childhood mental disorders are defined as serious changes in the ways children handle their emotions, learn, or behave. Symptoms generally begin in early childhood, but some may develop during adolescence.

Often diagnoses are made during school years or even earlier. Earlier research has suggested that children with mental disorders were three times more likely to be identified as bullies

Mental health is critical to overall health. Mental disorders are conditions that can last throughout an entire life. Without treatment and early diagnosis these conditions can lead to problems at school, home, and in developing friendships.

The current report was developed in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). It outlines federal causes on monitoring mental disorders and provides estimates on the number of children with certain mental disorders.

The researchers examined data from several sources covering the period 2005-2011. The report also suggests a few indicators of mental health such as unhealthy days and suicide.

The report revealed that ADHD was the most prevalent current diagnosis among children aged 3 to 17 years. The number of kids with a mental disorder rose with age, except autism spectrum disorders - which were highest among 6 to 11 year old children.

Males were more likely than females to have ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, Tourette syndrome, cigarette dependence, behavioral or conduct problems, and anxiety. Boys aged 12 to 17 years were at a greater risk of dying by suicide than girls. Girls were more likely than boys to have depression or an alcohol misuse disorder.

Children ranging in age from 3 to 17 years had: ADHD (6.8%)Conduct or Behavioral Problems (3.5%)Anxiety (3.0%)Depression (2.1%)Autism spectrum disorders (1.1%)Tourette syndrome (0.2% among children 6-17 years old)Adolescents aged 12 to 17 years had: Illicit drug use disorder in the last year (4.7%)Alcohol use disorder in the last year (4.2%)Cigarette dependence in the last month (2.8%)These findings suggest that mental health is a significant component of public health. The goal now is to develop improved methods on how to document children who have mental disorders, better understand these disorders, and implement and recommend treatment and intervention strategies.

Written by Kelly Fitzgerald
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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posted by Anna on 21 May 2013 at 10:15 am

I think what the article means is not 'In US, 20% of children have mental disorder', but instead, 'we have invented mental disorders with thresholds that implicate 20% of US children'. That is not to say that mental disorder is medically fabricated in totality, but it seems that biomedical opinions of mental health are given undue authority to label children (and adults) with mental conditions.

Surely it is evident that social impacts have a much greater influence in the development of what is considered a 'mental illness' as there is no convincing evidence of a biological cause for mental health problems. In regards to this, there remain pertinent questions as to medical approaches of labelling patients, particularly children and adolescents.

In this sense, the report is truly astounding. How can 'cigarette dependence' and 'alcohol use disorder' be considered a mental disorder?! The threshold for those perceived as 'mentally ill' has been lowered so considerably that we can surely all be considered mentally unstable.

This article should not considered credible, instead I'd suggest it to be considered as farcical.

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posted by td helder on 19 May 2013 at 1:45 pm

This report is full of crap. What most of these kids suffer from is a complete lack of parents who know/care what their doing. They sit there telling their little hellion to stop, and when the brat ignores them they say "Oh it's not my parenting, he has (insert problem here)"

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posted by John on 19 May 2013 at 7:00 am

'In US, 20% Of Children Have A Mental Disorder' - and we're working overtime to invent conditions (and persuade others to vote them into being diseases!). Our goal is 120% with a disorder. Oh, sorry, that should be 100%. You know how precise us soft science people are.

Question: if you can vote a "condition" into being a disease, why can't you vote a disease into just being a (non-lethal) condition? For instance; heart failure, diabetes, gun shots wounds, old age.

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How social media will change mental health care

by Susan Giurleo, PhD

Social media is changing how we communicate and how we define  ”relationship.” I was speaking to someone last week who said to me, “Social media isn’t coming it’s here!” He’s right.

And while many voices in our professional communities are wary about social media, I see positive opportunities at every turn. Here are just 5 ways social media will change mental health care:

1. Professionals will collaborate more. We know our current model of mental health care is fractured and takes place in isolated pockets. Primary care doctors often see signs of mental health issues first. Some decide to prescribe medication, some refer to a psychiatrist, others recommend therapy. But darned if they can find providers that can help their patients effectively and efficiently.  Social media will change this as medical professionals become more comfortable and adept at communicating with one another via various platforms (some password protected) that allow them to communicate and refer to one another.

Also, mental health professionals themselves will learn to consult and collaborate on cases, share research information, and partners on treatment programs.

Finally, the ideal treatment protocol combining mind/body factors will become possible. Physicians and therapists can get to know each other in the social media space, understand that we are professionals with the same goals and collaborate on bringing exceptional care to our clients and patients. Yes, we will.

2. The stigma and isolation of mental illness will lessen. Current online patient advocacy sites such as Patients Like Me,WeGoHealth and Mental Health Tribe allow people suffering from physical and mental health issues to talk to one another. People can self-identify as someone suffering from a disorder and talk to others with similar experiences and issues about treatment protocols, coping skills and feel less alone, isolated and ashamed.  This process of sharing online will most likely lead to more people seeking the help that they need, rather than suffer in silence.

3. Increased demand for high quality mental health care. This surge of “e-patients” (defined as those patients who are ‘plugged in’ and research, advocate and communicate online) will result in an empowered group of patients and clients. They will have access to research findings once only found in professional journals and will have knowledge of treatment trials worldwide (not to mention the option to participate in many of them from a distance). This will result in current and potential clients asking providers educated questions about their expertise, treatment philosophy and expected outcomes.

Many health care professionals feel ambivalent about this movement. We are used to being the “experts”and our patients being passive consumers of our expertise. The e-movement levels that playing field and health care partnerships will be the result.  This will keep those of us who do effective work in business and those who offer subpar services unable to stay solvent.

Stay up-to-date on what’s going on in your specialty. You never want a client quoting research in your office that you should know about.

4.  Ability to offer robust aftercare and maintenance. One of the frustrations with psychotherapy is that once direct treatment is over, gains in functioning often decline and in the worst case, clients’ functioning reverts to baseline after several months or years.  Social media and online technology will allow us to create and provide simple follow up programs and protocols that can be sent out to people daily, weekly or monthly via email, text, audio or video. These could be reminders to take medication, to exercise, eat right, go to bed on time, use a journal, etc.  Simple digital reminders are certainly better than no reminder at all and can be enough to “hold” clients so they don’t regress after investing a lot of time, money and hard work into better functioning.  Even if insurance doesn’t pay for these services, you could charge a monthly “follow up program fee” that could be low cost (say $20-40, for many this is equivalent to  a co-pay).

5. A greater ability to create treatment programs that clients want and need. Currently, when health care professionals try to offer workshops/classes or groups that support clients’ treatment, they are disappointed with lack of interest or enrollment.  Unfortunately, we often offer what WE think clients want and need, rather than what they really want and need.  Social media allows us to listen and discuss with consumers what they would like in terms of service structure and offerings.  Do they want an online support forum or a group at the office? Do they find teleseminars helpful, or would they rather read and e-book?  Are daily follow up texts helpful or would they rather hear from you once a week?

Social media allows us to get an intimate glimpse into the lives of the people we treat.  The more we can offer programs and services that they relate to and want to engage in, the more opportunity we have to help them live healthier lives.

Susan Giurleo is a psychologist who blogs at the BizSaavy Therapist.

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Signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

By Health.Tips.Net

Signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder...
Post traumatic stress disorder occurs after an extremely traumatizing even that lasts at anywhere from a single event to an experiencing lasting 3 months. Traumatic events that might cause this disorder include tragic motor vehicle crashes, traumatic medical diagnoses, kidnapping, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, natural disaster, mugging or a number of other events. Intensity and duration increase the chances of the victim suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder...

Post traumatic stress disorder can potentially be prevented by emergency management training or anticipation therapy (if the traumatic event, like going off to war, is expected). Signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder...

Family members and close friends should pay careful attention to the victim following the traumatic event. Family members and close friends should look for the following symptoms: flashbacks, feelings of shame or guilt, scary dreams, irritability, emotional absence, memory loss, feelings of hopelessness, feeling easily startled or frightened, and imagining things. Experiencing other traumatic events similar to the one experienced by the victim might initiate symptoms of the disorder. Also seeing similar events in the news or hearing about them on the radio may cause symptoms of the disorder. Signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder...

So what can you do if you experience any of these symptoms or if you notice a loved one experiencing these symptoms? Psychotherapy and/or medication are very effective in reducing symptoms or completely eliminating them from the life of the victim. Psychotherapy is helpful for both children and adults and helps patients to identify and place their feelings. Psychotherapy is helpful in teaching coping skills so that thoughts and other symptoms do not become too overwhelming. Medication options include anti-anxiety medication and anti-depressant medications. Medications are prescribed according to symptoms and individual experiences so you or your loved one should speak to your physician. Signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder...

If you have any further questions regarding symptoms and treatment, seek professional medical help for you or your loved one. Signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder...

http://health.tips.net/Pages/T003924_Signs_of_Post_Traumatic_Stress_Disorder.html

Signs of Juvenile ADHD

By Health.Tips.Net
Signs of Juvenile ADHD...
I have a nephew going into the first grade who was recently diagnosed as having ADHD. He is now getting special training and help at school. Having a child receive this diagnosis can be devastating, but with the right treatment and support it can be managed successfully. Signs of Juvenile ADHD...

Many children exhibit signs of inattention and high levels of activity making it very important that if you suspect ADHD you have a trained professional make the diagnosis. A trained specialist will evaluate your child and look into all possible reasons for their behavior. This evaluation will likely also include visits to your child's school and doctor. Signs of Juvenile ADHD...

The main signs of ADHD include: Signs of Juvenile ADHD...

•Inattention. Children with ADHD have difficulty sustaining attention and may appear not to listen. They are overwhelmed with project instructions and may avoid complex tasks requiring a long attention span. They are easily distracted and may forget simple daily activities. Signs of Juvenile ADHD...

•Hyperactivity. Your child might have ADHD with Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Type if they continually fidget or squirm. They might have excessive amounts of energy and have difficulty waiting to take turns or engage in quiet activities. These children may talk too much and interrupt others. Signs of Juvenile ADHD...

•Impulsivity. Impulsivity is another component of hyperactive/impulsive criteria. Children with ADHD will blurt out answers without waiting for even the question to be finished. They have trouble resisting even dangerous impulses such as climbing or running into the street. These children might also have trouble socializing, as they often speak without thinking or consider the reactions of others. Signs of Juvenile ADHD...

There are also combined types of ADHD that may exhibit symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. The diagnosis of ADHD requires that a child meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria. Signs of Juvenile ADHD...

Treatment of a child with ADHD needs to include coordination between parents and school personnel. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, you should request regular monitoring and evaluations to make sure the best outcome. Signs of Juvenile ADHD...

There are medication options available that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. If medication is not an option for your child, there are other treatments available. You should consider multiple, simultaneous strategies, including education about ADHD, behavioral intervention strategies, social skills training and vocational counseling. No one strategy by itself is likely to be sufficient and the treatment plan needs to be tailored to the needs of the child. Signs of Juvenile ADHD...

http://health.tips.net/Pages/T006391_Signs_of_Juvenile_ADHD.html

Breakfast and mental health

By Health Tips & Technics

Parents, please note, just by adding a piece of an apple or a glass of hot milk to your child’s breakfast you could protect them from depression, anxiety and disobedience, a new study has claimed. A team at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research in Perth has carried out a study of more than 800 students and found that a complex breakfast is directly linked to better mental health in kids.

According to lead researcher Therese O’Sullivan, this may be because mental functioning is actually affected by the absorption of a variety of nutrients. Cereal and milk in particular supply calcium iron and B vitamins that assist neurotransmitters, chemicals needed to transfer information in the nervous systems that are directly responsible for behavior and mood. For their study, the researchers enlisted over 800 14 year old girls and boys and analyzed their breakfast intake over three days. They found that just one in four teens ate a high quality breakfast containing three or more of the five food groups, cereals, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and meats and alternative like beans, nuts and eggs. Those who ate from more food groups for their morning meals scored higher on a child behavior checklist, with an improvement in mood seen for every extra food type added the study revealed.

It didn’t matter what they added, just that they added something different like a banana to their cereal to make that meal more complete with vitamins and minerals. From what we found, that makes a huge difference. “For every additional food group added the mental health status improved markedly across the sample, ”the Age quoted O’Sullivan as saying.

http://www.healthtips.in/breakfast%20and%20mental%20health.asp