Children facing complex medical conditions often have challenges with their mental and neurodevelopmental health. A recent study, published in Pediatrics on August 5, revealed these children use health care services more frequently.
The study, led by Dr. JoAnna K. Leyenaar from the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, looked at data from three states between 2012 and 2017. It focused on children with medical complexity (CMC) who also have neurodevelopmental and mental health issues.
Out of 85,581 children with complex medical needs, about 45.6% had neurodevelopmental issues, and 37.0% had mental health issues. Compared to children without these additional diagnoses, the risks were significantly higher. The study found CMC with these diagnoses had 3.00 times more ambulatory visits, 1.69 times more emergency department visits, and a 1.58 times higher risk of hospitalization. They also spent 2.32 times more days in the hospital.
The study highlights the need for better recognition and treatment of mental and neurodevelopmental health issues in these children. The authors emphasize the importance of investing in strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treat these conditions effectively.
Understanding the Conditions
Neurodevelopmental Disorders:
- Causes: Genetics, prenatal environment, complications during birth.
- Symptoms: Delays in speech, movement, or learning abilities; difficulty with social interactions.
- Treatment: Behavioral therapies, educational interventions, medications.
Mental Health Disorders:
- Causes: Genetics, environmental stress, traumatic experiences.
- Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, difficulty focusing.
- Treatment: Counseling, medications, support groups, lifestyle changes.
Key Insights:
- Children with complex medical needs and additional mental/neurodevelopmental issues have much higher health care usage.
- Recognition and treatment of these conditions are crucial for better health outcomes.
- Investing in preventive and diagnostic strategies can significantly improve the quality of life for these children.
Source: Study published in Pediatrics, August 5, 2024.