6-16-09

Childhood Mental Illness

One in five children in the U.S. suffers from mental health problems, but there are effective treatments available.

Mental illnesses can affect children as well as adults, and when properly diagnosed, they can be treated effectively.  The most common mental condition in children is attention deficit hyperactive disorder followed by depressive disorders, says Dr. David Decker, assistant professor of psychiatry and chief of the child psychiatry division at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.  He explains some signs of mental problems that parents should watch for.

SOUND BITE: “You should look at global functioning.  How is the child functioning in those things that you would expect a child to do?  How are they getting along with their peers?  How are they enjoying themselves with their peers and their family?  How are they interacting with people?  How are they performing at school?” 

Dr. Decker suggests parents first discuss their concern with teachers, other caregivers and the child’s physician.  He says once the condition has been diagnosed there are some treatment options.

SOUND BITE: “We generally talk about a bio-psycho-social approach, and that is three categories of interventions or treatments.  Bio means the biologics.  So what biologic issues are going on and that would probably be treated by medication?  Although there are other ways to affect biology, such as light therapy, or change in habits that might have some biologic impact."

After a child has been diagnosed with mental illness, Dr. Decker advises parents to accept the situation and work with teachers, the child’s physician and mental health counselor to help the child with the treatment.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.