Federal help sought to boost teen mental health

Washington -- Most mental, emotional and behavioral disorders have roots in childhood and adolescence, according to a new federal report drafted by physicians, psychologists and others. The authors call on the White House to mount an effort to coordinate agency resources to fight disorders such as depression, anxiety, conduct disorder and substance abuse.

These conditions cost the nation an estimated $247 billion annually, according to the report, "Preventing Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders Among Young People: Progress and Possibilities."

The report was released Feb. 13 by the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine. It was sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Symptoms typically occur two to four years before the onset of a full-blown disorder, creating a window of opportunity when preventive programs might make a difference, said panelists at an event related to the document's release.

"There is a substantial gap between what is known about preventing mental, emotional and behavioral disorders and what is actually being done," said Kenneth E. Warner, PhD, chair of the panel and Avedis Donabedian Distinguished University Professor of Public Health. He also is dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan.

"It is no longer accurate to argue that these disorders can never be prevented," he said. "Many can."

Research has shown several programs to be effective, the panel said. Among them is the Clarke Cognitive-Behavioral Prevention Intervention, which helps teens at risk for depression cope with stress. Panel members also cited the Good Behavior Game, a school-based program that reinforces desirable behaviors with rewards, such as extra free time.

Panelists urged the White House to create an entity to coordinate agency efforts and support for such programs, set public goals for prevention, and provide research and funding to achieve them.

Although noting that screening programs can help target interventions, panelists cautioned that such efforts should be used only if they meet certain criteria. They should target disorders that present serious threats to mental health, and sufficient treatment capacity should exist to respond to identified needs. Community acceptance of a screening program is also necessary, they said.

The American Medical Association has long promoted efforts targeting adolescent health.