Youth mental health: new economic evidence

Authors:
KNAPP Martin, et al
Publisher:
Personal Social Services Research Unit
Publication year:
2016
Pagination:
117
Place of publication:
London

Examines the economic challenges of youth mental health problems in England, focusing on adolescents and young adults. The report summarise findings from a review of the international evidence on the economic impact of youth mental health services, an analysis of the economic implications of youth mental health problems – including the failure to recognise or treat them – and an evaluation of two models of youth mental health service provision in England. The report found that for young people aged 12–15 at baseline assessment (aged 15–18 by the end of the follow-up period), mental health-related average costs over the three-year follow-up period totalled £1,778 a year. In addition, the report shows that young people aged 16 to 25 with mental health issues at baseline are significantly more likely not to be in employment, education or training (NEET) than those without such issues. Among the group with mental health issues, those in contact with services are much more likely to be receiving benefits. A key theme emerging from the research is the substantial unmet need for services for young people with mental health problems - the treatment gap has been known for at least two decades and this study identifies treatment gaps dating from 1999. Tentative findings suggest that local specialist youth mental health services can generate significant improvements in mental health, employment, education and training outcomes. Contacts with services such as emergency and inpatient hospital care and the criminal justice system can also be reduced. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
young people, mental health problems, mental health services, socioeconomic groups, economic evaluation, access to services, treatment;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
England
Link:
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