Review of the literature regarding early intervention for children and adolescents aged 0–15 experiencing a first‐episode psychiatric disturbance

Abstract

The authors highlight information that has the potential to assist in optimizing care for those youth younger than 16 years experiencing or exhibiting signs of a first-episode psychiatric disturbance.

Young people with depression and their satisfaction with the quality of care they receive from a primary care youth mental health service: a qualitative study

“…Insufficient age‐appropriate mental health services deter youth with significant mental health problems from obtaining suitable help (Cosgrave et al. 2008, Leavey et al. 2008).…”

Identifying profiles of psychological characteristics of juvenile offenders and adolescent psychiatric inpatients

“…Mental health problems are common among young people and their effects are significant. According to one study, 20% of youth under the age of 16 have a diagnosable mental health disorder (Leavey, Flexhaug, & Ehmann, 2008), while another study found rates as high as 40% (Copeland, Shanahan, Costello, & Angold, 2011). Some studies have shown that nearly half of all mental disorders onset in childhood (Copeland, et al, 2011).…”

“…Unfortunately, only one in six of those who would benefit from treatment ever receive it. (Leavey, et al, 2008).…”

Delays in Treatment: A Literature Review of Pathways to Treatment for Psychosis

“…Additionally, research reveals that age fifteen is the average age for long-term mental health illnesses (such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) to occur (Ehmann et al, 2014;Leavey et al, 2008). Bhui et al, (2014)'s research shows specifically that "patients presenting with psychotic disorders are usually young at first episode" (p. 1).…”

“…Other proposals for directing research towards supporting families (such as grief counseling) have been proposed to help families remain healthy under stressful circumstances to continue help-seeking for non-healthy family members (Leavey et al, 2008) and should be further researched as well.…”