Mental health burden among Black adolescents: The need for better assessment, diagnosis and treatment engagement
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.
Full citation:
Opara I, Weissinger GM, Lardier DT, Lanier Y, Carter S, Brawner BM (2021). Mental health burden among Black adolescents: The need for better assessment, diagnosis and treatment engagement
Social Work in Mental Health, 19 (2), 88-104. doi: 10.1080/15332985.2021.1879345. PMCID: PMC8262091.