Today in Canada, there are 1.2 million children and youth who are affected by mental illness, but according to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, less than 20 per cent will receive appropriate treatment.
The Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI) brings Patrick J. McGrath to the University of Alberta campus on May 14 to deliver the lecture "The ideal mental health system: Supporting children and families," as part of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry's Dean's Lecture series. McGrath is founder of the Strongest Families Institute, a not-for-profit corporation that provides evidence-based services to children and families that seek help with mental health issues.
A Dalhousie professor of psychiatry, science, pediatrics and community health and epidemiology, McGrath is an Officer of the Order of Canada-among many other positions and achievements. WCHRI news staff spoke with McGrath in advance of his trip to Edmonton. Here's what he had to say about this under-researched but increasingly critical area of children's health.
What can attendees expect to learn from your talk on May 14?
There are a number of core objectives for my talk, including why we must improve the Canadian health systems and how blaming "the other guy" is futile as each of us needs to take responsibility for the system. I'll also discuss four methods to make a difference in children's mental health research: Use of evidence-based guidelines; outcome measurement; continuous, collaborative quality improvement; and integrating e-health.
Event details: The ideal mental health system: Supporting children and families
As part of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry Dean's Lecture Series
Presented by Women and Children's Health Research Institute
Date and time: Monday, May 14 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Bernard Snell Hall, University of Alberta Hospital 8440 - 112 St., Edmonton
Admission is free.
Why is children's mental health research still in its infancy compared to other areas of children's health research?
Children's mental health research has not matched the need for it and the burden that untreated mental health issues has on our health system. Many mental health problems begin in adolescence, so it's very important for us to address these issues early. Unfortunately, in this area, much of the research and associated clinical practice have not worked together. We have a long ways to go to change this.
What do you feel is the ideal mental health system for children and families?
We are all responsible for a better mental health system. There are simple things that can be done to help us move forward, such as providing accessible treatment and measuring outcomes, which I will discuss further in my lecture. Currently, we also don't measure how effective mental health treatment is-we need to become more accountable and take responsibility.
Why is children's mental health becoming an increasingly important area of research?
We are just realizing the true cost of untreated mental health issues in children. If children don't fulfill their potential, it impacts all of us directly and indirectly-their productivity lowers, they become less able to function in society. It's a cost we can't afford.