Children from poorest households more likely to suffer from mental health problems, study shows

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) has published a report urging the government to make sure public health strategies do not ignore mental health.

The position statement, No health without public mental health: the case for action, shows that half of all mental illnesses begin by the age of 14 and three-quarters by mid-20s; people with a mental disorder smoke almost half of all tobacco consumed in the UK and account for almost half of all smoking-related deaths; and people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder die an average 20 years earlier than the general population, largely owing to physical health problems.

RCPsych President, Professor Dinesh Bhugra said: "Historically, government public health strategies have concentrated on physical health and overlooked the importance of both mental illness and mental wellbeing. But there is no health without mental health.

"There is vast evidence to show that mental illness is associated with a greater risk of physical illness – and physical illness in turn increases the risk of mental illness. It’s clear that strategies to improve the health of the nation will only be effective if they address mental health and wellbeing as well."

RCPsych is calling on the government to make a series of policy changes, including targeting public mental health interventions for young people at higher risk, such as children in care and those who are unemployed or homeless.

The report said: "Tackling mental health problems early in life will improve educational attainment, employment opportunities and physical health, and reduce the levels of substance misuse, self-harm and suicide, as well as family conflict and social deprivation. Overall, it will increase life expectancy, economic productivity, social functioning and quality of life. It will also have benefits across the generations."

It added: "Parental unemployment is associated with a two- to three-fold greater risk of emotional or conduct disorder in childhood. In the UK one in six children now lives in a workless household, the highest proportion of any country in Europe.

"Worryingly, child poverty has grown. Children from the poorest 20 per cent of households are at a threefold greater risk of mental health problems than children from the richest 20 per cent of households.

"Policies need to be in place to address the social and economic inequalities that directly contribute to poorer mental health and wellbeing."

Responding the launch of the report, care service minister Paul Burstow MP, said: "The government is clear that there is no health without mental health. That is why we will publish both a public health white paper and mental health strategy that will break new ground.

"If the right action is taken early in people's lives, it is possible to make a big difference. The right support at the right time can help people realise their potential, cope with adversity and hold down a job. This is good for the individual and good for society too."