Mental health help for under-fives overlooked - report

More support is needed to prevent babies and young children developing mental health problems in later life, leading doctors say.

Their report shows there is growing evidence that intervening very early on - from conception to the age of five - may help stop conditions arising or worsening. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling for more specialist services. The government says the mental health of children and parents is paramount.

Officials say they are investing more in expanding NHS services, alongside funding programmes designed to support children and caregivers.

NHS data shows about 5% of two to four-year-olds struggle with anxiety, behavioural disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions including ADHD.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists' report suggests 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".

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. The period from conception to five is essential in securing the healthy development of children into adulthood. Unfortunately, these years are often not given the importance they should be, and many people are unaware of what signs they should be looking out for. Parents, carers and society as a whole have a critical role to play. This includes securing positive relationships and a nurturing environment that supports the building blocks of a child's social, emotional and cognitive development."

Read the RCPsych report Infant and early childhood mental health: the case for action

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Source: BBC News, 21 October 2023