Mental health burden among Black adolescents: the need for better assessment, diagnosis and treatment engagement. Issue 2 (4th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Opara, Ijeoma; Weissinger, Guy M.; Lardier, David T.; Lanier, Yzette; Carter, Sierra; Brawner, Bridgette M.
• Is Part Of: Social work in mental health. Volume 19:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 88
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2021-03-04
• Subjects: Black adolescents -- mental health -- urban youth -- treatment; Psychiatric social work -- Periodicals; 362.2042505
• DOI: 10.1080/15332985.2021.1879345
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-2985

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study examines mental health symptoms among Black adolescents who were currently in mental health treatment and those who were not in treatment. The study uses a sample of Black adolescents ( N = 154) and logistic regression was performed to determine which psychological factors were associated with exhibiting mental health symptoms. Both groups experienced high amounts of trauma exposure history, recent suicidality, substance use, and depressive symptoms. Nearly one in four adolescents in the out of treatment group met diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders. Implications include better screening for mental health symptoms to ensure Black adolescent have access to mental health treatment.