A new study found that teens that end up in the hospital eergency room report exposure to violence and cyberbullying. A significant number of them experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as a result. Researchers recommend that teens be screened every year for depression. The rising trend of teen suicides in the US may be attributed to lack of mental health care in young adolescents.
Hasbro Children's Hospital researchers in Providence, Rhode Island found a strong connection between PTSD symptoms in teens exposed to violence, cyberbullying, and alcohol and substance abuse. They looked at more than 300 teens in the hospital and ER and found that more than 23 percent have PTSD symptoms, nearly 14 percent had depression symtoms and more than 11 percent had suicidal thoughts in the last year.
The study published in General Hospital Psychiatry also revealed that teens who reported PTSD symptoms did not receive any kind of mental health care at all. Researchers say that PTSD can get in the way of teen development, physically, mentally and academically. However, its symptoms can easily be managed and treated easily.
"PTSD in adolescents has been associated with long-term functional impairment, including poor physical health, academic failure and increased need for medical services," lead researcher Dr. Megan Ranney said in a press release. "This study also highlights that teens with a history of cyberbullying or peer violence are more likely to have PTSD, which is a very treatable disease if properly identified and addressed."
In extreme cyberbullying cases, victims may become depressed and attempt suicide: https://t.co/UJlDQosuaw pic.twitter.com/dO0VtzS1Rs
— Suicide Prevention (@cspyyc) October 27, 2015
The American Association of Pediatrics issued a recommendation earlier this year that all teens starting the age of 11 should be screened for depression yearly. UPI reports that the screenings are party due to the increasing rates of teen suicides in the US. However, the new guidelines are also mandated in the effort to reduce future health concerns that teens may have in the future including depression, HIV and high cholesterol.
