Family and Childrens Service of Greater Lynn Inc Linda Demerjian LICSW Jackie Trahan M Ed Lauren Harless LCSW Maria Alvarado BA The What and Why of Mental Health in Youth What is mental ID: 624368
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "Mental Health Issues in Children, Youth ..." is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1
Mental Health Issues in Children, Youth and Adolescents
Family and Children’s Service of Greater Lynn, Inc.
Linda Demerjian, LICSW
Jackie Trahan, M.
Ed.
Lauren Harless, LCSW
Maria Alvarado, BASlide2
The What and Why of Mental Health in Youth
What is mental
h
ealth?
Mental Health can be defined as
a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his
community (World Health Organization, 2001).
Why is it important?
Mental health issues in youth may lead to poor school performance, school dropout, strained family relationships, involvement with the child welfare or juvenile justice systems, substance abuse, and engaging in risky sexual behaviors.Slide3
Youth Mental Health Statistics
1 in 5 Children, currently or at some point in their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental disorder.
Half of lifetime cases of mental disorders begin by age 14.
In a given year, only 20% of children with mental disorders are identified and receive services.
About 50% of students age 14 and older who are living with mental illness drop out of high school.
Almost all teens who think about
or
have attempted
suicide
have a
mental disorder, including depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or problems with drug or alcohol
abuse.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in youth ages 10 to 24.
According to a 2012 survey, 25 % of middle school youth and 14% of high school youth in Lynn, MA have “ seriously considered suicide”.
(National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2010)
(National Institute of Mental Health, 2010)
(Northeast Center for Healthy Communities ,2012)
(Nock et al., 2013) Slide4
Depression
Depression is a serious health problem that can affect people of all ages,
including children and adolescents.
Depression is generally defined as a persistent experience of a sad or irritable mood as well as “anhedonia,” a loss of the ability to experience pleasure in nearly all activities.
Major depressive disorder, often called clinical depression, is more than just feeling down or having a bad day. It is a form of mental illness that affects the entire person.
Depression changes the way one feels, thinks and acts and is not a personal weakness or a character flaw.
Children and youth with depression cannot just “snap out of it” on their own. If left untreated, depression can lead to school failure, substance abuse, or even suicide.Slide5
Indicators of Depression
Grumpy, sad, or bored most of the time.
Does not take pleasure in things he/she used to enjoy.
Weight loss or gain.
Change in sleeping patterns.
Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty.
Having trouble concentrating, thinking, or making decisions.
Thoughts of death or suicide.
Lack of energy.
Headaches, stomachaches, loss of interest in friends and activities.
Slower speech or movements. Slide6
Anxiety
Anxiety is the feeling of intense, fear, distress and apprehension that appears out of proportion to the situation. While all children and adults experience this at one time or another, an actual anxiety disorder is an intensified reaction of fear or apprehension that affects daily functioning.
Risk factors may be genetics (a predisposition), family history (substance abuse), traumatic of scarring events, poverty and so forth.
If untreated, the negative experiences of the anxiety compound fears and symptoms over time.
Anxiety disorders that persist into adolescence and adulthood have a high risk of substance abuse (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Slide7
Indicators of Anxiety
Fear
Emotional/physical distress
Body Tension
Self-defeating cognitive and behavioral rituals
Sleep and appetite disturbance
Feeling out of control
Difficulty effectively coping
Sense of impending doom or danger
Startle Response
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Restlessness
Nightmares
Clinging behavior
School refusal
Poor memory
Clumsy or accident prone
Periods of losing timeSlide8
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequently displayed for at least six or more months and is more severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development (American Psychiatric Association, 2000.)
ADHD is one of the most common childhood mental health disorders.
The symptoms of ADHD begin in childhood and often persist into adulthood.
The causes and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but genetic factors likely play a role.
(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011)Slide9
Indicators of ADHD
Inattention
Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
Often has trouble organizing activities.
Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time.
Often loses things needed for tasks and activities.
Is often easily distracted.
Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Hyperactivity
Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat when sitting still is expected.
Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
Often excessively runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate.
Often has trouble playing or doing leisure activities quietly.
Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
Often talks excessively.
Impulsivity
Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others.
(American Psychiatric Association, 2000)Slide10
Trauma
Trauma
can be
defined as a physical or psychological threat or assault to a child’s physical integrity, sense of self, safety or survival or to the physical safety of another person significant to the child (Vermont CUPS Handbook
, 2005).
Children may experience trauma as a result of a number of different circumstances, such
as
Abuse, including sexual , physical, emotional
Exposure to Domestic Violence
Severe natural disaster (earthquake, flood
,
fire, and
tornado)
War or military actions
Abandonment
Witness to violence in school setting, neighborhood
Personal attack by another person
Kidnapping
Severe bullying
Medical procedure, accident, serious illness or surgerySlide11
Indicators of Trauma
Difficulty sleeping
Hyper alert and a heightened startle response
Agitation
Avoidance of physical contact or eye contact
Terrified responses to sight, sound that remind the child/youth of the traumatic experience (example, the smell of alcohol, police siren, a dog)
Re-enactment of the traumatic
experience
Substance Abuse (adolescents)
Who
is at greater risk?
Children and youth
who are victims of physical
and sexual
abuse, usually
by trusted caregivers.
Children
and adolescents
who are victims
of domestic violence in their families or in a school
or community setting.
Slide12
Risk Factors for Mental Health Issues
Biological
Genetic defects
Low birth weight
Chronic physical conditions(
i.e.
deafness or blindness)
Illness
(i.e.
diabetes or asthma)
Physical trauma, or exposure to toxic chemicals or drugs while in the womb
Psychological
Low IQ
Learning difficulties and deficits in sensory perception
Previous diagnosis of a
mental
health disorder
Social
Extreme poverty
Homelessness
Over-crowded living condition
Inadequate schooling Neighborhood violence and disorganization Poor peer relations (i.e. bullying)Familial Poor prenatal careYoung parents/caregivers History of family criminality History of family mental disorderSevere marital discord Poor parental supervision and/or disciplineChildhood maltreatment
(Community Action Network, 2010) Slide13
What can we do?
Individual Level
Community Level
Educate self further about mental health (know the warning signs).
Monitor youth’s behaviors.
Take into consideration youth’s developmental stage.
Thoroughly access youth’s background and situation.
Develop relationships and/or consult with mental health professionals (psychologist, psychiatrists and social workers).
Contact caregivers when concerns/warning signs arise.
If possible, openly discuss mental health with youth in the schools, classroom, program, center etc.
Conduct meetings, presentations, conferences and/or conversation around mental health to increase awareness and reduce social stigma.
Train staff, childcare workers, school faculty, parents etc. to recognize the risk factors and warning signs of mental health issues.
Collaborate with mental health professionals to implement or improve programs.
Consider and support policy that improves access to mental health services.
Promote tolerance and understanding of those suffering from mental illness. Slide14
Assessment of Youth and Substance Abuse
In adolescents, substance abuse highly correlates with mental health issues, especially trauma (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2008).
Determine if substance abuse is occurring
-
During the past 12 months, have you:
Drank any alcohol (more than a few sips)?
Smoked any marijuana or hash?
Used anything else to get high? (includes illegal drugs, over the counter and prescription drugs, and things that you sniff or “huff”.)
Gain history of the substance abuse
What kinds of substances are/were used?
How often and under what circumstances? (frequency and pattern)
Has anyone expressed concern over your use of alcohol and/or other substances?
Do you have concerns about your use?
Do family members or friends use? Under what circumstances?
Make an appropriate referral
Research recommends treating substance abuse and mental
health issues
concurrently.
(Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, 2009)Slide15
Mental Health Providers
Non-Mental Health Providers Slide16
Local Youth Mental Health Resources
Lynn Community Health Center, Behavioral Health Services
20 Central Ave., Lynn MA 01902
(781)477-7222
Elliot and Community Human Services
95 Pleasant St., Lynn, MA 01901
(781) 581-4400
Family and Children’s Service of Greater Lynn, Inc
.
111 N. Common St., Lynn, MA 01902
(781) 581-6614
Children Friends and Family Services
112 Market St. 2
nd
Fl, Lynn, MA 01902
(781) 592-5691
Catholic Charities
117 N. Common St., Lynn, MA 01902
(781) 593-2312
Psychiatric Associates of Lynn
270 Union St., Lynn, MA 01901
(781) 268-2200
Mass General at North Shore Medical Center
57 Highland Ave. Salem, MA 01970 (978) 354-2700 Slide17
Discussion
Questions?Slide18
References
Akinbami, L., Liu, X., Pastor, P., & Reuben, C. (2011). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among Children Aged 5-17 Years in the United States, 1998-2009.
NCHS Data Brief
,
70
. Retrieved January 10, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db70.PDF
American Association of Suicidology, Suicide Prevention is Everyone's Business. (n.d.).
American Association of Suicidology Suicide Prevention is Everyone's Business
. Retrieved January 14, 2013, from http://www.suicidology.org/home
Cash, Ralph E, Ph.D., NCSP. (2001).
Social/Emotional Development. Depression in Children
and Adolescents. Information for Families and Educators
. Retrieved January 11, 2013 from National Association of School Psychologists: http://
www.nasponline.org/resources/handouts/social%20 template.pdf
CDC - Mental Health Basics - Mental Health. (2011, July).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
. Retrieved January 10, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/basics.htm
Children's Mental Health. (n.d.).
American Psychological Association (APA)
. Retrieved January 14, 2013, from http://www.apa.org/pi/families/children-mental-health.aspx
Depression Health Center. (2011).
Depression in Children and Teens - Topic Overview
. Retrieved January 11, 2013 from: WebMD: http//www.webmd.com/depression-in-childhood-and-adolescence-topic overview
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-IV-TR. (4th ed.). (2000). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.Facts on Children's Mental Health in America. (n.d.). NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness: Child & Adolescent Action Center. Retrieved January 14, 2013, from http://www.nami.org/Finding help for young children with social-emotional-behavioral challenges and their families: The Vermont children's upstream services (CUPS) handbook. (2005). Waterbury: Vermont Department of Health, Division of Mental Health.Making the Connection: Trauma and Substance Abuse. (2008, June). The National Traumatic Stress Network. Retrieved January 10, 2013, from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/SAToolkit_1.pdfMassachusetts Adolescent Mental Health Facts - The Office of Adolescent Health. (2012, October 15). United States Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved January 10, 2013, from http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-health-topics/mental-health/states/ma.htmlSlide19
References Continued
National Institute of Mental Health.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness. Depression in Children and Adolescents Fact Sheet.
Retrieved January 11, 2013 from: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/depression...children-and-adolescents/index.sh
National Institute of Mental Health.
Mental Illness: Depression in Children and Adolescents fact Sheet.
Retrieved January 14, 2013 from: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/depression-in-children-and-adolescents.shtml
NIMH · NIMH Statistics. (2009).
NIMH Home
. Retrieved January 10, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/index.shtml
Nock, M., Green, J. G., Hwang, I., McLaughlin, K., Sampson, N., Zaslavsky, A., et al. (2013). Prevalence, correlates, and treatment of lifetime suicidal behavior among adolescents results from the national comorbidity survey replication adolescent supplement.
JAMA Psychiatry
,
1
, 1-11.
Prescription for Wellness: Risk Factors Related to Children's Mental Health. (2010, April 18).
Community Action Network - Home | Community Action Network
. Retrieved January 10, 2013, from http://www.caction.org/health/PrescriptionForWellness/MentalHealth/Child/RiskFactors.htm
Provider Guide: Adolescent Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Using the CRAFFT Screening Tool. (2009, March).
Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project
. Retrieved January 10, 2013, from http://www.mcpap.com/pdf/CRAFFT%20Screening%20Tool.pdf
Schwarz, S. (2009, June). Adolescent Mental Health in the United States Facts for Policy Makers .
National Center for Children in Poverty
. Retrieved January 14, 2013, from http://www.nccp.org/publications/pub_878.html
The 2012 Youth at Risk Behavior Survey. (2012). Lynn, MA: Northeast Center for Health Communities.Wille, N., Bettge, S., & Ravens-Sieberer, U. (2008). Risk and protective factors for children's and adolescents' mental health: results of the BELLA study. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 1, 33-47. Retrieved January 10, 2013, from the PubMed database.