Child and Adolescent Mental Health Research in the United Kingdom - Case Study Example

Annotated Bibliography 1. Identify the text source with details as required in the Harvard System Office for National Statistics, (1999), Mental Health of Children and Adolescents in Great Britain, Department of Health. 2. A brief summary of the text/section and its purpose The study conducted on the mental health of children and adolescents in the United Kingdom was undertaken as part of the Office for National Statistics series of surveys on the state of mental health in the general population in the country. The said series of surveys had the primary purpose of providing up-to-date information about the prevalence of psychiatric problems among people in Great Britain, as well as their associated social disabilities and use of services. The specific study in question aimed to produce prevalence rates of three main categories of mental disorder, which are conduct disorder, hyperactivity, and emotional disorders. Furthermore, the survey aimed to provide additional information, when the situation warrants, on the prevalence rates of specific types of problems and on the co-occurrence of disorders. The information generated by the study was to be used for policy making regarding the importance of providing mental health services for both children and adolescents. The sample used in the survey was taken from the Child Benefit Records being held by the Child Benefit Centre. All respondents were between the ages of 5 and 15. Various demographic characteristics were likewise gathered for the purpose of determining variations based on these factors. The study found that 10% of the sample population had at least one type of disorder. This rate included the three major categories as well as the less common disorders such as autistic disorders, tics, and eating disorders. Also significant was the finding that there were more boys with mental disorders than girls. Disparities were likewise observed when age, race, or ethnicity was taken into consideration. Other factors that generated contrasting proportions were family type, and socio-economic status. Lastly, the survey analyzed the use of service by children and observed significant differences with regards to consultation with a GP or secondary service provider among children with and without mental disorders. 3. What was your initial purpose of consulting the text or source In my effort to conduct a case study on the mental health status of children in the urban communities, I was in need of literature that tackled the subject of mental disorders among children. I consulted the study in question to gather additional information that would aide me in analyzing the mental health problems that most commonly hound children and adolescents. Social work involves dealing with people with various problems and seeking various services from service providers. Thus, it is vital for social workers, such as me, to know and understand what the disorders that most people, especially children, suffer from. The text serves as a comprehensive source that highlights vital information pertaining to prevalence rates of mental disorders among children as well as the service that they require. Both of these are valuable to the betterment of social care. 4. What questions need to be addressed Does the study pinpoint the most common disorders among children and adolescents as well as the demographic factors that influence the occurrence of such illnesses Does the study utilize a sample that is representative of the entire population under study Does it reflect the current state of mental health among children and adolescents in Great Britain Does the study identify ways by which service for children and adolescents with mental disorders can be improved 5. All the theories have strengths and weaknesses. No theory provides a complete account. How is this identified in your chosen text The researchers utilized various sources to gather the pertinent data regarding the mental disorders of children. The researchers are some of the most knowledgeable in the field and have the support of the vital organizations and institutions. The study not only identifies the prevalence rates of the major disorders; it provide in-depth investigation of the differences between the prevalence rates of mental disorders based on various demographic factors as well. Although the study takes up several disorders, it fails to highlight which disorders affect children and adolescents the most. 6. How can the information be incorporated into your study or into personal/ professional development There are several ways by which I can utilize the information provided by the survey in question. For one, the information will allow me to better analyze the needs of certain demographic groups. Also, the study will help me better understand children with mental disorders with regards to their service needs. Lastly, I can use the information to aide my fellow social workers in targeting the groups that need the most attention in order to ease the occurrence of mental disorders among children and adolescents. Annotated Bibliography 2 1. Identify the text source with details as required in the Harvard System National Centre for Social Research, (1999) Ethnic Minority Psychiatric Illness Rates in the Community (EMPIRIC) - Quantitative Report, Department of Health. London: The Stationery Office. 2. A brief summary of the text/section and its purpose EMPIRIC was the study undertaken together with the second survey conducted on the mental health of the adult population, specifically those between the ages of 16 and 74. This study centred on the mental health of the various minority groups living in England. The need of conducting such analysis is based on the fact that previous health surveys indicated that there were significant differences with regards to the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among the various groups and demographic classifications. The study identified the need to review the prevalence of mental disorders with regards to changes over time as well the differences across the population specifically for the purpose of policy development. According to the survey, the most common mental disorders (CMD), anxiety and depression, when combined, have a 15% prevalence rate in the population. These mental disorders, although quite simple, have been known to increase the mortality of those suffering from it and have been known to be the some of the most common causes of lost work due to illness. Although more complex psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia have more dire effects and consequences on people, such disorders are less prevalent than CMD. Thus, they pose less of a threat than the most common mental disorders. Although multiple studies have been conducted with regards to mental disorders in ethnic minority groups, the EMPIRIC study provides us with the most far-reaching and thorough investigation and analysis of the state of mental health of the ethnic groups in the United Kingdom. The study considered degrees of variance with regards to various demographic characteristics such as gender, age, marital status, socio-economic status, household composition, and age at migration. Researchers found that the most notable and significant findings came out when common mental health disorders (CMD) were studied as a whole. Specifically, they found that the clearest ethnic differences in the prevalence of non-psychotic psychiatric disorders were observed when the common mental disorders (CMD) were considered as a whole. It was discovered that small yet statistically significant differences were present in the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) across ethnic groups. 3. What was your initial purpose of consulting the text or source My initial consultation of the said study was for the purpose of finding information regarding the state of mental health in urban communities. This was in line with a study I conducted that that aimed to analyze mental disorders within the urban society. The study provided me with valuable information regarding the prevalence of mental disorders in ethnic groups which are notable members of urbanized communities within the United Kingdom. In my field of social work, it is important for social workers like me to know what services are available to people suffering from mental disorders. Furthermore, social workers must understand which mental illnesses are most prevalent and how these can be addressed. 4. What questions need to be addressed Does the study cover all major ethnic groups within the United Kingdom Does the study identify the most prevalent mental disorders among the major ethnic groups Does the study identify the areas that need improvement with regards to the services provided for people suffering from mental disorders 5. All the theories have strengths and weaknesses. No theory provides a complete account. How is this identified in your chosen text The study is one of the most current and up-to-date studies on the state of mental health in the United Kingdom. The researchers made use of the largest sample possible. No other study has used such a comprehensive sample in analyzing mental health disorders specifically among ethnic groups. The researchers were able to identify areas within the subject matter that warrant further investigation and analysis. The researchers utilized the possibly most accurate sources to gather information on the respondents and to gather the data required in the study. The study is endorsed and supported by the Department of Health which means that it warrants recognition and attention. 6. How can the information be incorporated into your study or into personal/ professional development In dealing with individuals suffering from mental disorders, I will take into consideration the possible influence of various demographic factors on the individual's illness. I will try to incorporate the suggested improvements cited in the study in providing care and service to people with mental or psychiatric disorders. I will try to expand my service in order to cover al individuals regardless of ethnicity. Read More