Identifying, Addressing Youth Mental Health Concerns Remains Critical Challenge

Even before the added stress and disruption of the pandemic, many adolescents have experienced mental health issues – a combination of exacerbating factors earning a response during the just-concluded legislative session from Connecticut lawmakers, and heightened attention nationwide.

Prior to the pandemic, one in five adolescents had a diagnosable mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. The past two years of pandemic-induced stress and social disruption has increased that number and placed a heavier burden on parents to be aware of potential warning signs. Some have described adolescent mental health as the central issue tackled by Connecticut legislators, with three key bills passed (now awaiting the Governor’s signature) that add funding and improve access to needed services.

The C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health in partnership with the Children's Hospital Association asked a national sample of parents of children age 11-18 about their views and experiences with screening and care for mental health issues. The results, released recently, come as May is observed as National Mental Health Month.

Almost all parents (95%) felt somewhat or very confident they would recognize a possible mental health issue in their adolescent. Parents report several signs that would prompt their concern, including frequent comments about being worried or anxious (65%), decreased interaction with family (63%), drop in grades (61%) or a change in sleep (53%) or eating patterns (49%).

If parents notice a possible mental health issue, most say their first response would be to talk with their adolescent (82%) or keep a closer eye on them (55%). Fewer parents' first response would be to make an appointment with a healthcare provider (43%), check with their adolescent's teacher about a problem at school (25%), or get advice from family or friends (13%).

One in four parents (25%) think their adolescent would definitely talk with a parent about a possible mental health issue, and about half (55%) think they would possibly do so.

·         More than one-quarter of parents (27%) report their adolescent has ever had a visit with a mental health specialist. Among those parents, 59% say the visit was within the past year.

·         More parents say they decided on their own to have their adolescent see a mental health specialist (55%) than got a referral from their adolescent's PCP (18%) or school (11%).

·         Nearly half (46%) describe difficulties getting their adolescent care with a mental health specialist, including long waits for appointments (26%), finding a provider who took their insurance (15%) or saw children (13%), and knowing where to go (10%).

Officials point out that well-child check-ups are an ideal time for providers to discuss potential mental health concerns. Yet, fewer than half of parents in this Mott Poll reported their adolescent's PCP asks about mental health issues at all check-ups, and one in seven said their PCP never asks about mental health concerns. Experts say that if  parents feel their adolescent's provider is not being proactive in raising mental health issues, they should bring it up with them.

Parents report their adolescent's primary care provider (PCP) asks about mental health concerns during all (41%) or some (22%) check-ups; 14% say the PCP never asks about mental health, 19% don't know if the PCP asks, and 4% do not attend check-ups. Parents believe their adolescent would definitely (16%) or probably (57%) feel comfortable talking with their PCP about mental health concerns. One-third of parents (33%) report their adolescent has completed a mental health screening questionnaire at their PCP office.

In this Mott Poll parents report several signs that would increase their concern about a possible mental illness in their adolescent. These signs are ones all parents should be aware of, and include excessive worry or anxiety, decreased interactions with family or friends, increased moodiness, drop in grades or a change in sleep or eating patterns. However, officials note, not all adolescents show all signs, and some may be easier to recognize than others.