In recent years, the number of young people in the United States with at least two mental health diagnoses has increased dramatically. According to Cigna’s Evernorth Research Institute, this number went up by 48% nationally from 2018 to 2022. In Connecticut, this increase was not as significant, but it was still a concerning trend.
To conduct their research, Cigna analyzed national claims data of over 20 million individuals under the age of 26. They found that among young people diagnosed with behavioral health conditions like anxiety, acute stress disorders, depression, and ADHD, 38% did not receive treatment.
Despite these rising numbers of young people struggling with mental health issues in Connecticut, there are resources available to help them access care more quickly than in other states. Dr. Laine Taylor from the Village for Families and Children noted that finding mental health providers and treatment options can be overwhelming for some individuals and families. However, she emphasized that there are several ways to access care in the state.
Anxiety is the top diagnosis among children and young people both locally and nationally. While many individuals who received treatment were only treated with medication, experts recommend a combination of medication and therapy for children aged six and older. The importance of pediatric partners screening and providing appropriate treatment to meet the needs of young individuals with mental health concerns was highlighted.
This information was originally published by Connecticut Public on April 30, 2024.
