Child Behavioral Health Systems Stressed By Pandemic, Lockdowns
Reports in Modern Healthcare highlight how mental health services for children have been impacted by the pandemic. Meanwhile a new analysis of federal data shows that adolescents may be more likely than adults to suffer addiction to drugs, including prescription ones.
Modern Healthcare:
Stressing The Already Burdened Pediatric Behavioral Health System
Emily Hangen said it only took a few weeks after her family began isolating in their home in Winslow, Ariz., for her to notice changes in her four children. “There were behavioral issues, incidents of acting out, being angry, sleeping more or sleeping less depending on the child,” Hangen recalls. “We had one that just wanted to eat and one that didn’t want to eat at all—overall depression. ”While Hangen’s oldest child was receiving counseling services for issues with depression diagnosed prior to the pandemic, getting behavioral healthcare support for her other three children has been a major problem. (Johnson, 3/29)
Modern Healthcare:
Mental Health Access For Children Needs Attention
Jennifer Pannone needed help. The resident of Schenectady, N.Y., was pregnant, a global pandemic was unfolding and her fiancé had committed suicide weeks earlier, on New Year’s Day 2020. Despite getting support from a local health system, including more than 50 referrals to behavioral health specialists, she has not been able to find a specialist who was accepting new patients. (Johnson, 3/29)
The Hill:
Study Finds Adolescents More Likely To Become Addicted To Marijuana, Prescription Drugs
Adolescents and teenagers who try marijuana or misuse prescription drugs are more likely to develop a substance abuse disorder than young adults who are at least 18 years old, according to a new analysis of federal data. The study, led by researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), underscores the vulnerability of adolescents to substance abuse disorders and the importance of screening for substance misuse among younger populations. (Weixel, 3/29)
CNBC:
Covid Piles More Stress And Financial Strain On Family Caregivers
Over the past year, Ellen Minor has been caring for her 93-year-old father in their Covid bubble. It’s been far from easy. “I can’t tell you how close I have come to forcing myself to retire early, which means paying for my own medical insurance,” said Minor, a 61-year-old teacher at a California charter school. “I have come very close, with the stress,” she said. “I just can’t take it.” (Fox, 3/29)
CNN:
Physical Inactivity Could Increase Risk Of Diseases, Study Finds
Not exercising enough could increase your risk of developing certain diseases by up to 8%, according to a new study. Little to no exercise increases your risk of getting noncommunicable diseases such as depression and dementia, according to the study's analysis of data from 168 countries. The study published Monday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. (Marples, 3/29)
