Children should have a say in their mental health treatment, say 97 % of professionals, parents and young people in a YoungMinds poll – yet feed back from the charity’s children’s advisory panel shows that very few actually do.
The poll findings appear in the latest issue of YoungMinds magazine, the charity’s bimonthly publication for everyone interested in child and adolescent mental health.
Because children and young people often have limited access to information they are unable to make informed choices about their treatment. However, actively involving them will make it more likely for the treatment to succeed by ensuring that it meets the child’s needs.
Sarah Brennan, YoungMinds Chief Executive, said: “To make the best choices, children need access to information. A good practitioner should discuss treatment options, its side effects and what the treatment involves. Patients often don’t realise, for example, how time consuming talking therapies can be.
“Being able to exercise choice empowers young people, gains their trust and cooperation and can be crucial to a treatment’s success. “
A recent report from YoungMinds and Office of the Children’s Commissioner recommends:
· Full and active involvement of young patients in their mental health care;
· Provision of information about all aspects of a young persons care, treatment and rights;
· Comprehensive and accurate information for children and young people about the medication that they are prescribed and administered in a format they are able to understand.
The findings are based on a poll of 269 professionals, parents and young people. 153 respondents were professionals, 92 were young people, and 24 parents. For more information contact the Hannah Smith on 020 7336 1451 or ympress@youngminds.org.uk
Sarah Brennan is available for interview.
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading children’s mental health charity committed to improving the mental health and emotional well-being of children. For further information visit www.youngminds.org.uk
YoungMinds Magazine is the leading publication for everyone with an interest in child and adolescent mental health. Subscribe now by phoning 0870 870 1721.
