Leading doctors are calling for more support to prevent babies and young children from developing mental health problems in later life. The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ report shows that intervening very early on, from conception to the age of five, may help stop conditions from arising or worsening. The report suggests that half of mental health conditions arise by the age of 14, and many start to develop in the first years of life, making early action “vital”. NHS data shows that about 5% of two to four-year-olds struggle with anxiety, behavioural disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions including ADHD.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling for more specialist services and funding programmes for children and caregivers. Officials say they are investing more in expanding NHS services. Dr Trudi Seneviratne from the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) said the majority of under-fives with mental health conditions were not receiving the level of support needed “to help them become productive, functioning adults and reach their full potential”. She added that the period from conception to five is essential in securing the healthy development of children into adulthood.
Dr Seneviratne says anyone concerned about a child’s persistent behavioural issues or eating and sleeping problems should seek health advice. The report’s recommendations include new specialist services across the UK for under-fives, their parents and caregivers, with timely access to a team of people including speech and language therapy, psychologists and social workers. It also suggests more training for healthcare workers on how to spot and support under-fives with mental health problems, more research on the best ways to help young children, better data collection on young children experiencing problems, and support to help the wider population gain a greater understanding about mental health of under-fives.
The wide-ranging report is backed by a number of organisations including Unicef UK, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Joanna Moody, from Unicef UK, said the report provided “a strong evidence base for action to prioritise mental health right from the start of children’s lives”. She said many services have a “vital role” in supporting children’s mental health, including early education, social services, maternity, health visiting and primary care
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