Mental health matters.Adults speak nostalgically about the glory days of youth, but a recent study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is part of the federal government of the United States and the largest research organization in the world specializing in mental illness. strikes a different chord. "Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14," researchers report. "Three quarters have begun by age 24. Thus, mental disorders are really the chronic diseases of the young." Effects of mental health disorders According to former Surgeon General The U.S. Surgeon General is charged with the protection and advancement of health in the United States. Since the 1960s the surgeon general has become a highly visible federal public health official, speaking out against known health risks such as tobacco use, and promoting disease David Satcher, 13.7 million children suffer from diagnosable mental illness in a given year, and "many end up in the juvenile justice system." Untreated early-onset mental disorders are associated with school failure, teenage chilbearing, use of alcohol and illegal drugs, suicide, unstable employment, early marriage, and more. At school, children with untreated mental disorders may face academic and social challenges as they struggle to manage their emotions, focus on tasks or control their behavior. Barriers Ideally, all children would have access to mental health screening, referral and treatment. But even when families know about problems, they do not always have the knowledge and resources to seek mental health services health services Managed care The benefits covered under a health contract . Some are reluctant because they fear the stigma attached to mental health problems or don't think treatment would help. Other barriers to mental health care include language and cultural differences, lack of services in the community, and insufficient insurance coverage. African-Americans and American Indians/Alaska natives are more likely than whites to suffer from mental disorders, but generally have less access to mental health services and are less likely to receive needed care. Relationship to AYP AYP Adequate Yearly Progress (National Assessment of Educational Progress) AYP Anarchist Yellow Pages AYP American Youth Philharmonic Many students with the greatest need and least access to mental health services may be those within NCLB NCLB No Child Left Behind (US education initiative) subgroups. Helping these students make adequate yearly progress Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, is a measurement defined by the United States federal No Child Left Behind Act that allows the U.S. Department of Education to determine how every public school and school district in the country is performing academically. might require schools to make stronger links between academic reforms and student support. What schools can do Often, schools function as the de facto [Latin, In fact.] In fact, in deed, actually. This phrase is used to characterize an officer, a government, a past action, or a state of affairs that must be accepted for all practical purposes, but is illegal or illegitimate. mental health system. How can districts maximize their mental health programs? According to the Center for Mental Health in Schools at UCLA UCLA University of California at Los Angeles UCLA University Center for Learning Assistance (Illinois State University) UCLA University of Carrollton, TX and Lower Addison, TX , research supports practices that focus on: a universal promotion of healthy development; prevention of problems and promotion of protective factors early intervention ear·ly intervention n. Abbr. EI A process of assessment and therapy provided to children, especially those younger than age 6, to facilitate normal cognitive and emotional development and to prevent developmental disability or delay. , with a targeted focus on specific problems or at-risk groups; and providing treatments based on the best available evidence. According to research, school-based mental health programs are more likely to be effective when they: * Provide a comprehensive system of supports * Take a proactive, preventive and multifaceted approach * Offer a continuum of interventions and services * Are responsive to students' individual, developmental and cultural differences * Are coordinated and fully integrated with other education programs, school improvement plans, and services * Include accountability and evaluation based on student outcomes * Build strong connections to families, communities and appropriate agencies * Employ credetialed, professional school counselors. For citation of the references used in this article, go to www.districtadministration.com FAQs. What are the most common mental disorders in the United States? Depression (the leading cause of disability) and anxiety. Less prevalent disorders that disproportionately affect young people include eating disorders eating disorders, in psychology, disorders in eating patterns that comprise four categories: anorexia nervosa, bulimia, rumination disorder, and pica. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by self-starvation to avoid obesity. and ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Definition Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsive behaviors, and the inability to remain focused on tasks or . In a given year, how many people show signs of a mental disorder? One in 5 How many people will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetimes? Nearly half. How many lifetime cases begin by age 14? Half How many mental disorders are treatable? 80 percent to 90 percent Among children who need mental health care, how many receive it? 1 of 4 How many children suffer from a mental disorder severe enough to cause impairment? 1 in 10 Source: NIMH, 1999, 2001, 2005; RAND, 2001, CDC See Control Data, century date change and Back Orifice. CDC - Control Data Corporation , nd
Could Your School Be a Stronger Link?
A recent survey of school mental health professionals suggests that a
lack of clearly defined and coordinated processes for identification
and referral results in missed opportunities for linking children with
needed mental health treatments.
TYPE OF SCHOOL
High Middle Elementary
School School School
(=725) (n=515) (n=92)
Identification procedures
in place 35% 42% 43%
Referral procedures in place 66% 66% 73%
Source: Annenburg Public Policy Center, University of Pennsylvania, 2004
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