Federal agency reports that many children with emotional disorders are untreated

By Staff Writer

A recent report by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) states that a disproportionate number of children with emotional, behavioral or developmental conditions do not get the treatment they need because they are uninsured.

The report identified seven conditions in children: depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder (ADD), conduct disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delay and Tourette Syndrome. Children who suffer from these conditions may benefit from a variety of therapies, but many are not covered by health insurance.

The study also found that children from low-income families are affected by depression and ADD at higher rates than other kids.

"HRSA is committed to ensuring that mental health is fully integrated into primary health care, and we're working diligently to address the challenge of meeting the mental health needs of America's children in vulnerable and underserved communities," HRSA administrator Mary Wakefield said.

Roughly 7.4 million children in America suffer from these conditions. Approximately 25 percent of those kids have family incomes below the federal poverty level.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that adolescents with mental health disorders or a history of psychiatric hospitalizations are more likely to have intercourse at an earlier age and have more unintended pregnancies.