Many with mental disorders not treated

Many with mental disorders not treated


BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 16 (UPI) -- About half of U.S. children and teens with some mental disorders receive professional services, researchers say.

The survey for the National Institute of Mental Health used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The survey, conducted from 2001-2004, had 3,042 participants ages 8-15.

Dr. Thomas R. Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, said the young people were interviewed directly. Parents or caregivers also provided information about their children's mental health.

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found 13 percent of respondents met criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder. Some 1.8 percent of the respondents had more than one disorder, usually a combination of ADHD and conduct disorder.

Specifically, the study found:

-- 8.6 percent had ADHD, more likely among males.

-- 3.7 percent had depression, more likely among females.

-- 2.1 percent had conduct disorder.

-- 0.7 percent had generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder.

-- 0.1 percent had an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia).

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2009/12/16/Many-with-mental-disorders-not-treated/UPI-20891260944371/

because they have no insurance

There was a huge movement in the '70s for patients rights as a lot of people were getting put away and getting shock treatments for such displays of illness as being vegetarian (Leonard Frank) and so on. Basically there was a huge empowerment movement which is still in place today.

Beginning with Little Michy Bachmann. She's nuts!

town hall meetings.