Young People and Mental Health

Mental health problems and disorders among adolescents are an increasingly endemic problem, causing anxiety and distress for young people themselves, challenges for the health care professional, social worker, teachers and parents, and demands on the managed care system. This is the only book of its kind to offer a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to this topical and rapidly developing field.

About the Authors vii

1 Introduction 1
Jane Hurry, Peter Aggleton, and Ian Warwick

2 Young People and Alcohol Use 13
Martin Plant

3 Young People and Drugs 29
John B. Davies

4 Emotional Disorders in Young People 47
John Pearce

5 Eating Disorders 73
Andreas Karwautz and Janet Treasure

6 Serious Antisocial Behavior 91
Sue Bailey

7 Youth Suicide and Deliberate Self-harm 111
Michael Kerfoot

II Special Groups and Special Needs

8 Sexuality and Mental Health Promotion: Lesbian and Gay Young People 131
Ian Warwick, Christine Oliver, and Peter Aggleton

9 Young People with Learning Difficulties 147
Jenny Corbett

III Special Contexts and Settings

10 The Mental Health of “Looked After” Young People 165
Juliet Koprowska and Mike Stein

11 Young People, Mental Health and Homelessness 183
Davina Lilley

12 Bullying and Harassment in and out of School 197
David A. Thompson

Index 211

"This book is a welcome addition to an increasing literature on what is a broad subject." (Community Care)

"...a helpful review of risk and protective factors, and of preventative strategies." (Adoption Fostering, Vol 24/2, 2000)

"the book can be recommended for youth workers in the field of health, education and social work..." (International Jnl. of Adolesc. Med. Health, Vol 12/1, 2000)

"I recommend this book to anyone working with young people and urge you not just to read about your particular interests but to gain from the whole...." (British Journal of Guidance Counselling, Vol 29/2, 2001)

"...straightforward, accessible guide..thought provoking and informative..." (Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy, April 2001)

“…serious and scholarly…a valuable resource…” (Metapsychology online 21/06/04)

Peter Aggleton, Thomas Coram Research Unit; Institute of Education, University of London, UK

Jane Hurry, Institute of Education; Institute of Education, University of London, UK

Ian Warwick, Health and Education Research Unit; Institute of Education, University of London, UK

Policy makers and practitioners have noted the increased incidence of mental health problems and disorders among young people, causing anxiety and distress for young people themselves, challenges for the health care professional, social worker, teachers and parents and demands on the health system and informal sector care. At the same time, the needs of special groups such as homeless young people, young people looked after by local authorities, lesbian and gay youth, and young people with learning difficulties are increasingly recognised. Young People and Mental Health offers a succinct overview of key mental health issues affecting young people today. The book gives up-to-date summaries of the nature, causes and effects of different mental health problems and disorders among young people, as well as some of the more successful interventions for prevention. Each chapter defines the nature of the problem, looks at prevalence and risk factors and concludes with interventions, such as the steps that can be taken to prevent problems arising and the kinds of support young people most need. The book tackles practical problems including:

• Bullying in and out of school
• Serious antisocial behaviour
• Anxiety and depression
• Alcohol and drug misuse
• Youth suicide and self harm
• Eating disorders

In plain and straightforward language Young People and Mental Health provides health professionals, teachers, youth workers, social workers and parents with practical and accessible advice and guidance.