Behavior Problems May Be Prevented with Programs

More could be done to prevent mental, behavioral and emotional disorders by the Federal Government, according to a report by the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine. The institute states that conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and conduct disorder are common in children and adolescents. These conditions take a heavy toll on young people and families and cost the United States about $247 billion every year, according to the report.

Prevention may stop mental health problems before they take a heavy toll on the young people and their families. It is also possible that preventative measures may save the government expenditure by preventing the disorders and turning lives around.

The theory is that programs could help young people to lead happy, healthy, productive lives. Systems to deliver preventative programs would be needed.

According to researchers, most behavioral, emotional and mental disorders are rooted in childhood and adolescence. More than half of the adults with these disorders reported that onset occurred in childhood or in early adolescence. The researchers estimate that 14 to 20 percent of young people may have these mental disorders.

There is a window of opportunity to prevent full onset of a disorder because the initial symptoms occur two to four years before the problems become full blown.

There are programs that have been successful in modifying behavior in young people, according to the report. Programs in educational or family settings have shown promise in identifying risk factors and in promoting mental health.

Programs mentioned as examples in the report include the Good Behavior Game and the Positive Parenting Program.

The Good Behavior Game reinforces good behavior with rewards and privileges. Studies have shown that the Good Behavior Game reduces aggressive and disruptive behavior in first grade students. Over the long term, the program reduces risk of drug and alcohol abuse and suicidal thoughts. The program, which focuses on social and emotional skills, has also been shown to improve school grades.

There are programs that have shown promise in preventing the onset of full blown mental disorders, but methods of identifying the young people at risk and proper intervention programs would need to be implemented.

Young people with mental and behavioral disorders lose much of the quality of life and time that could be productive. The cost of mental and behavioral problems is costly to individuals and to society as a whole. A substantial monetary cost is already carried by the U.S. Government, meaning that the burden is already on taxpayers. The theory behind the recommendation in this report is that by implementing effective preventative programs, the behavioral and mental problems, so costly to everybody, might be prevented.

Resources:

The Naitonal Academies Press, Washington. Preventing Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Disorder among young people progress and possibililties. 1-800-624-6242.. Press release dated February 13, 2009, EurekAlert.

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