Blueprint for Change: Research on Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Report of the National Advisory Mental Health Council's Workgroup on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Intervention Development and Deployment. Executive Summary and Recommendations.

Office of Communications and Public Liasion, Information Resources and Inquiries Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, 6001 Executive Blvd., Rm. 8184, MSC 9663, Bethesda, MD 20892-9663. Tel: 301-443-4513; Tel: 301-443-8431 (TTY); Fax: 301-443-4279; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.nimh.nih.gov. For full text: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/childhp/councildesc.cfm.

N

20

NIH-01-4986

Adolescents; Child Health; Children; Cooperative Planning; Delivery Systems; Intervention; Long Range Planning; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Models; Neuropsychology; Outcomes of Treatment; Prevention; Program Effectiveness; Research and Development; Theory Practice Relationship

Much has been learned about the identification and treatment of mental illness in children, but issues remain unresolved. Many of the traditional service models do not meet the needs of today's children. There is a shortage of evidence-based treatment and much of the evidence that does exist is not being used. Key findings in neuroscience, behavioral, prevention, and treatment research that will help guide future research are presented. The challenges for developing effective prevention programs, treatments, and services are reviewed. Particular attention is given to disciplinary insularity, which affects the adoption of research findings in practice settings. This report proposes the use of new models for integrating basic research with intervention development and service delivery. Linkages between the different sciences and delivery systems are recommended for overcoming obstacles. It suggests that the development and dissemination of new research-based interventions will require scientists to create partnerships with community leaders, families, and providers. A 10-year plan for advancing research on child and adolescent mental health interventions is included. Recommendations are presented in three areas: interdisciplinary research development, new training initiatives to build a cadre of high-caliber scientists, and programs to advance research in such areas as prevention, psychosocial interventions, and psychopharmacology. (JDM)

2002

ED462649