VCU EXPERT ALERT: Children’s Mental Health Week – May 6-12

By Sathya Achia Abraham

Virginia Commonwealth University is offering story ideas to media for Children's Mental Health Week, May 6-12. Additionally, May marks Mental Health Awareness Month.

Helping Teens with Substance Use and Mental Health Problems

Teens with mental health problems are at very high risk for substance abuse. About half those teens with mental health problems also have a substance use problem. Conversely, teens with substance abuse problems are at even higher risk for mental health problems:  60 percent of them also have a mental health problem.

Despite how common co-occurring disorders are among youth, there has been very little research in the field. Traditionally, substance abuse and emotional or behavioral problems have been treated separately, but researchers are now learning that it's imperative to have integrative therapies in place to treat both problems.

The Virginia Treatment Center for Children at the VCU Medical Centerrecently launched the Youth Co-Occurring Disorders Clinic for the assessment and treatment of teens who have a substance abuse and mental health disorder at the same time. The clinic, which combines research, training and clinical practice, is the only one in Virginia, and one of just three evidence-based clinics in the nation serving youth, aged 12 to 17, with co-occurring disorders. Learn more from VTCC's executive director, Brian L. Meyer, Ph.D., a child psychologist at the VCU Medical Center.

Crisis in Child Mental Health

Mental health is a topic rarely discussed between young people and adults. In the United States, approximately 15 million children suffer from mental illness, and only 20 percent receive treatment. Children facing such issues need attention immediately – and there is often a delay in identifying a child in crisis and then getting them the necessary care or intervention.

Although there has been a stigma attached to mental illness, a growing knowledge of the neurobiological and genetic bases of behavior has put mental illness on par with physical illness. Additionally, research is opening doors to explore novel and effective treatments for mental disorders. Other challenges include a limited capacity to deliver care and a lack of professionals trained in children's mental health. Aradhana Bela Sood, M.D., professor of psychiatry and pediatrics and medical director of the Virginia Treatment Center for Children at the VCU Medical Center, is available to discuss this topic.

Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Anxiety disorders, which include social and other phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, are often overlooked and misunderstood in children and adolescents. However, they are very treatable with good, consistent professional care. Michael Southam-Gerow, Ph.D., co-director of the VCU Anxiety Clinic, can offer expert comment on this topic.