[Health and Development]
Mental Health

In the United States, one in ten children suffer from a mental disorder severe enough to interfere with normal development and functioning, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Those disorders cover a wide range of issues from anxiety to autism to bipolar disorder.

Mental Health

Latest in Mental Health

Psychotropic Medication Use Among Children in the Child Welfare System

Research, Reports & Data — February 12, 2013, Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire

Children in the child welfare system are given psychotropic medication, drugs prescribed to affect the mind, emotions and behavior, at rates approximately three times higher than children and adolescents in the general population. Rates of psychotropic medication use are also significantly higher in rural than urban areas.

The State of Mental Health Among U.S. Adolescents

Research, Reports & Data — January 30, 2013, Child Trends

One in 5 adolescents have a diagnosable mental disorder. The brief addresses different mental disorders that present in adolescence, including attention deficit disorders and major depression.

Chronic Health Problems Among U.S. Adults, by Poverty Status

Research, Reports & Data — November 12, 2012, Gallup and Healthways

Americans in poverty are more likely to suffer from chronic health problems than their peers, according to the Gallup-Healthways poll.

Media Multitasking and Social Well-Being Among 8- to 12-year-old Girls

Research, Reports & Data — January 30, 2012, Developmental Psychology

Texting, tweeting, and watching TV at the same time may be harmful to young girls, says a group of Stanford University Researchers.

The Lifelong Effects of Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress

Research, Reports & Data — January 13, 2012, American Academy of Pediatrics

The report suggests that toxic stress has lifelong developmental consequences for kids.

Cyber Bullying and Depression

Research, Reports & Data — September 23, 2010, Journal of Adolescent Health

Victims of cyber bullying are more likely to report higher depression than victims of traditional bullying, and are more likely to report feelings of isolation and helplessness.

24 Hours: Unplugged

Research, Reports & Data — May 12, 2010, International Center for Media & the Public Agenda

The study, which required participants to abstain from media devices for 24 hours, suggests that college students are addicted to social media.

The Nation’s Children 2010

Research, Reports & Data — March 04, 2010, Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)

A compilation of the latest statistics on the health and welfare of U.S. children, including individual fact sheets on each state.

Persistent Fear and Anxiety Can Affect Young Children’s Learning and Development

Research, Reports & Data — February 26, 2010, National Scientific Council on the Developing Child

The report summarizes the effects of and misconceptions about fear-eliciting experiences that occur early in life.

Out-of-School Time Matters: Activity Involvement and Positive Development among Coos County Youth

Research, Reports & Data — February 22, 2010, The Carsey Institute

The research brief analyzes the connections between how youth spend their free time and positive or negative attitudes about themselves and their future plans.

The Interactive Effects of Stress Reactivity and Family Adversity on Socioemotional Behavior and School Readiness

Research, Reports & Data — February 08, 2010, Journal of Child Development

The study finds that emotionally sensitive children possess a great potential to thrive when raised in supportive, nurturing and encouraging environments.

"Childhood Maltreatment and Migraine"

Research, Reports & Data — January 07, 2010, American Headache Society

The study finds that abuse in childhood is strongly linked to migraines and other pain disorders in adulthood.

“There’s No Place Like Home: Home Visiting Programs Can Support Pregnant Women and New Parents”

Research, Reports & Data — January 06, 2010, Center for American Progress

The brief reviews the effectiveness of existing home visiting programs for vulnerable families.

“Maternal Depression Can Undermine the Development of Young Children”

Research, Reports & Data — December 17, 2009, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University and National Forum on Early Childhood Program Evaluation

The report explores recent research on the effects of maternal depression on families and children.

“Financial Burden of Raising Children With Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN): Association with state policy choices”

Research, Reports & Data — December 09, 2009, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Washington University (St. Louis, Mo.)

The study suggests that financial burdens are deepening for families with disabled children, with Medicaid and SCHIP expenses varying widely by state.