BALTIMORE – Children who exhibit only internalizing symptoms, which are often indicative of anxiety and depression, are less likely to be referred to mental health services than children who exhibit not only the same internalizing behavior, but also external and attentional behavior.
“Pediatricians now are doing much more about mental health; we’ve been energized about how this is an important determinant not only of the child’s present health, but the child’s long-term health, and how they function in the world,” explained Dr. Diane Bloomfield of The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, N.Y., at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies.
In a video interview, Dr. Bloomfield discussed the importance of making sure children with internalizing symptoms are referred to the proper specialists, how electronic health records can play a part in children slipping through the cracks, and why educating parents is a critical step in addressing the needs of internalizing children.
Dr. Bloomfield did not report any relevant financial disclosures.