Reduce the effects of trauma and violence on children and adolescents: AMA
The AMA today joined calls for action to address the inadequacy of child and adolescent mental health services in Australia.
On World Mental Health Day, AMA Public Health Committee Member and psychiatrist, Dr Martin Nothling, stressed the importance of early intervention when children and adolescents are exposed to violence and trauma.
"Early intervention is important when children and adolescents are exposed to violence and trauma. This may become difficult if the problem is not identified early and appropriate mental health services are not available," Dr Nothling said.
Between 14 and 43 per cent of children have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, according to the International Society for Traumatic Stress.
As a victim or witness of domestic (or family) abuse, community violence, war, or violence in the media, children and young people suffer devastating and long lasting effects. These include mental health problems, developmental delays, somatic complaints, behavioural problems, fear, confusion, sleeping difficulties and nightmares.
The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2000) found that only one in four children with mental health problems receive professional assistance in Australia.
This survey also found that family doctors, paediatricians and school-based counsellors provide the services that are most frequently used by young people with mental health problems.
"The Federal Government needs to take a closer look at the reasons why child and adolescent mental health services are not being accessed by those who need them," Dr Nothling said.
"Currently, most child and adolescent mental health services are only able to take on the most severe cases in the community, leaving many families and children unsupported in their efforts to deal with the effects of issues such as violence and trauma.
"General practitioners and paediatricians frequently address mental health issues in children and young people without adequate Government funding or specific mental health services.
"We must also work collectively to prevent violence and trauma from taking a stronghold in our society. Prevention strategies are imperative to break the cycles of violence which are often generational," Dr Nothling said.
CONTACT: Dr Martin Nothling (07) 3839 7088
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076