Children with emotional and behavioral problems may be aided by routine screenings

More children who have undergone court-ordered mental health screening and interventions are found to be at high risk for having behavioral and emotional problems.

A new study, published in this month's Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, reviewed a group of children in Massachusetts who participated in the Children's Behavioral Health Initiative. The researchers examined Medicaid well-child visits that were completed from 2008 to 2009.

The number of youth with emotional and behavioral problems, as identified by the screenings, nearly tripled, from about 6,000 to 20,000 individuals per year.

Study co-author Michael Murphy added that "childhood psychosocial issues are among the most common and disabling conditions of children and adolescents, both in this country and in the rest of the world." He noted that the findings highlight the need for routine screenings. Such assessments help psychiatrists and pediatricians diagnose potential mental problems.

As a result, they can make less costly and effective interventions earlier on in time.

Master's of Social Work Students who research the mental health needs of youth populations may be interested in similar increases of mandatory screening procedures. 

POSTED BY: ec_admin - March 10th, 2011 at 03:52pm ( 0 )