News Release, 20 June 2006
In response to the report released today by the British Medical Association, Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:
“Among adolescents, rates of depression and anxiety have increased by 70 per cent in the past 25 years 1. There is a clear need to improve child and adolescent mental health services otherwise we will be faced with a generation plagued by mental ill health. By 2020, depression will be the second-largest health problem worldwide, just behind heart disease and ahead of cancer. 2
“There is a gap in the provision of care for adolescents and as a result, some 'disappear' into the gap between children’s and adult services, only to be picked up later when their problems have become severe and are much harder to treat. The Government should be looking to place greater emphasis on emotional well being in families and schools.”
1.Lifetime Impacts, Mental Health Foundation.
2. World Health Organisation.
Return to news releases 2006
Notes to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
The Mental Health Foundation is the leading UK charity working to improve services for both people with mental health problems and people with learning disabilities. It is the only charity to fund and work with both service users and providers and plays an important role in funding research and new approaches to prevention, treatment and care. The Foundation’s work includes allocating grants for research and community projects; contributing to the public debate; educating policy makers and healthcare professionals and striving to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness.
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