50% of American Children with Mental Problems Receive Treatment

Boston (DbTechNo) – Results from a new survey indicate that only half of American children living with mental health problems are receiving the necessary treatment.

The survey, conducted between the years of 2001 and 2004 was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.

The survey focused on 6 types of mental health problems – eating disorders, panic and anxiety disorders, ADHD, depression and conduct disorder.

It found that approximately 13% of American children are living with mental health issues, but less than 7% of them are being treated.

Children coming from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were found to be at greater risk of ADHD, while kids from upper class families were more prone to anxiety disorders.

Dr. Kathleen R. Merikangas, a researcher with the NIMH says that many children go untreated because of the vast shortage of mental health professionals.

“We have a substantial number of kids in America who are suffering from a current [mental] disorder,” she said.

“We need to be more aware of these conditions at the primary levels where we have our contact with kids — that’s the school system,” Merikangas added.

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