Study shows many teens with mental health issues are not receiving proper care

By Staff Writer

According to a recent study, only half of adolescents who suffer from severely impairing mental disorders receive proper treatment for their condition. The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, reveals that only one-third of teens with mental disorders receive care for their illness.

Researchers surveyed 6,483 adolescents, whose ages ranged from 13 to 18 years old. They found that treatment rates were highest in those with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with nearly 60 percent receiving help. Behavior disorders, such as oppositional defiance disorder and conduct disorder came in second with a combined 45 percent of teens receiving treatment.

However, less than 20 percent of adolescents with anxiety, eating or substance use disorders were treated. Additionally, minority teens were less likely than their Caucasian peers to get help.

The authors noted that there are national shortages of mental health specialists for children.

A recent report by U.S. health officials reveals that the number of children diagnosed with ADHD jumped nearly 22 percent from 2003 to 2007.