Note from the editor

CrossCurrents

This issue of CrossCurrents focuses on early treatment for at-risk youth between the ages of 12 and 25. Early intervention is important because evidence shows that detecting and treating problems early leads to better outcomes. We all know that catching cancer in its early stages often means a better prognosis. The same holds for mental health and substance use issues. Early intervention promotes as full a recovery as possible and reduces the long-term disability and human and economic costs associated with mental health and substance use problems.

Given the importance of this phase of development, when psychological, social and vocational paths and independence are established, it is not surprising that mental health and substance use issues, however brief or mild, can derail development and limit a youth’s potential. Untreated conditions lead to high rates of school failure, unstable employment and poor family and social functioning – realities that are much more difficult to change once they are entrenched.

A sad reality is that mental health and substance use problems are easily the key health issue for young people in their teens and early 20s. The onset of mood, psychotic, personality, eating and substance use problems tends to occur between the early teens and mid-20s, and peaks in the early 20s. The prevalence of mental health and substance use problems is about 20 per cent among adolescents aged 13–17, and increases to about 27 per cent among young adults aged 18–24, the highest prevalence rates across the lifespan. Epidemiological data indicate that about 75 per cent of adults with a mental health issue experienced its onset by age 24.

The articles in this issue examine how early treatment and intervention can help youth stay on track. Nova Scotia social worker Michael Ungar opens with a discussion of how “delinquency” can be reframed as hidden resilience. Other articles examine treatment approaches to co-occurring first episode psychosis and substance use, eating disorders and depression. An article on mental health promotion outlines how clinicians and communities can integrate this perspective into early intervention with children and youth. The Q&A shows how a cultural adaptation of a family-based intervention is meeting the needs of Aboriginal youth and families. The issue closes with a provocative piece that discusses ethical and practical challenges in early psychosis intervention.

Enjoy this stimulating issue. Send us your comments, suggestions and ideas. Write a letter to the editor expressing your thoughts on our stories. It is your input that furthers the dialogue around mental health and addiction issues.

 

Hema Zbogar

tel 416 595-6714

hema_zbogar@camh.net

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