UK. Childhood mental health problems lead to higher costs in adulthood in mental health services and criminal justice system

Citation

(2002), "UK. Childhood mental health problems lead to higher costs in adulthood in mental health services and criminal justice system", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 15 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijhcqa.2002.06215eab.003

UK. Childhood mental health problems lead to higher costs in adulthood in mental health services and criminal justice system

UK

Childhood mental health problems lead to higher costs in adulthood in mental health services and criminal justice system

A major new study reported in the January 2002 issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry shows that children who suffered from depression together with conduct disorder are more likely in adulthood to incur long-term costs associated with the use of mental health services and criminal justice services. The Maudsley long-term follow-up of childhood and adult depression collected data on service use and other cost-related data from former patients.

Comparisons were made between those people with depression alone and those with depression and conduct disorder in childhood, and with data for the general population. Data on 91 people with depression and 49 with depression and conduct disorder revealed high adulthood service use rates and costs. The depression and conduct disorder group used in-patient health care and criminal justice services more frequently, and total costs were significantly higher.

The authors comment that the study confirms that there are high and long-term costs associated with childhood depression, and especially with depression and conduct disorder occurring together. Early, effective treatment could do much to reduce these cost consequences whilst also improving the quality of life of the people concerned.

For further information contact Prof. Martin Knapp. Tel: 020 7848 0174 or 01227 761 539.