Many parents missing the link between child behavior and health

Implications

Behavioral health problems, sometimes called mental health problems, affect boys and girls of all ages, impacting their learning, social interactions, and physical health. Some are mild and short-lived; others are signs of longer-term problems such as depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, mood and behavior disorders, and substance use. In any given year, up to 20% of US children experience a disorder that reflects a serious change in behavior, learning or handling of emotions.

Most behavioral health issues among children can be managed successfully. Early recognition of symptoms and problems is essential to ensuring that children get the resources they need. Once a concern is identified, the child’s health care provider can assess the severity of the problem, offer parents guidance on strategies to deal with certain behaviors, and refer to behavioral health specialists when needed.

However, early recognition requires parents to assume several key responsibilities. First, parents must recognize a behavior pattern in their child. Second, they must be aware that the behavior is a child health issue. Finally, parents must be willing to speak with the child’s doctor or other health care provider about the behavior they have observed.

Findings from this National Poll indicate that many parents do not fully understand their role in helping to identify child behavioral issues. A sizable proportion of parents would not necessarily have a discussion with their child’s doctor about signs of possible depression (being extremely sad for an extended period), anxiety (being more worried or anxious than usual), mood disorders (temper tantrums), or attention-deficit disorder (difficulty with organizing homework). Without parent discussion, providers may have insufficient information to identify important signs of potential problems. 

The reason for parents’ reluctance to discuss is also seen in poll findings:  nearly half of parents believe that behavior and emotions are not medical problems. This common misconception suggests that child health care providers may need to be very direct in explaining the link between behavioral and physical health, and asking whether parents have noticed any changes in their child’s behavior or emotions.  On a more positive note, very few parents felt there was not enough time in the doctor’s visit to discuss behavior concerns, or that the doctor would not be helpful.

Recognizing of the importance of this topic, many health care offices have introduced “integrated behavioral health” – where a behavioral specialist (e.g., therapist, psychologist, trained social worker) provides onsite counseling and problem-solving strategies for children and parents. A potential benefit of integrated behavioral health may involve raising parents’ awareness of the link between behavior and health and the importance of recognizing and discussing their child’s behavior and emotions.