A conference for professionals involved in mental health services for adolescents and their families took place this month in UCD. The conference, organised in conjunction with the Mater Hospital brought together a wide variety of Irish and International experts to hear the most up-to-date information available on the treatment of depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and ADHD.
“Child and adolescent mental health professionals in Ireland struggle on a daily basis to cope with waiting lists and a serious lack of inpatient treatment facilities. Despite this, they manage to help large numbers of adolescents and their families,” said Professor Carol Fitzpatrick, UCD School of Medicine & Medical Science.
Dr Bernadka Dubicka, Locum Consultant and Honorary Lecturer at the University of Manchester also called for increased resources for specialist child and adolescent mental health clinics so appropriate treatment can be provided quickly along with more research funding for treatment trials in the most severely affected adolescents who are at highest risk of suicide.
Speaking on the topic of adolescent depression Dr Dubicka said: “Adolescent depression is a relatively common and serious disorder with significant consequences for the young person affected. It is important for families to seek help sooner rather than later if they are concerned, as effective treatments are available, as well as support for the family.”
Diane Beattie, Research Psychologist, UCD presented her evaluation of the Parents Plus Adolescent Programme at the conference. This group programme helps parents to help their young people who are struggling with behavioural or emotional difficulties, and provides parents with the opportunity to meet other parents, which reduces their sense of isolation.
Approximately 2 per cent of Irish adolescents have a mental health disorder, affecting the young person’s relationships and ability to function at home, in school and with peers. Rates of suicide in young Irish people are among the highest in Europe, and many young people who die by suicide have unrecognised and untreated mental health disorders.
