Northwestern University has launched a new Mental Health, Earlier Center at the Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences (DevSci), thanks to an $11.7 million award from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) of the National Institutes of Health.
Co-led by researchers at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, the center will address the youth mental health crisis by targeting early signs of vulnerability to mental health problems in toddlers through routine pediatric care -; well before traditional mental health diagnoses or treatment commence.
Approximately 20% of children as young as age 3 have an identified mental health problem, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Early warning signs prior to age 3 may mark the beginning of a negatively spiraling mental health course as children grow. But critically, these can also be reversed if addressed early with scientifically grounded developmental identification and prevention tools, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A new center has been established to focus on identifying mental health vulnerabilities in toddlers. This initiative aims to pinpoint early signs of psychological and emotional challenges in very young children, with the goal of providing timely intervention. By studying toddlers’ behavior, development, and environmental factors, the center hopes to detect potential mental health issues before they escalate, offering preventive measures to support long-term well-being. Early intervention is key to improving mental health outcomes, as challenges addressed at a young age are more likely to lead to positive long-term effects. This groundbreaking effort emphasizes the importance of monitoring mental health from early childhood, potentially transforming how mental health care is approached for future generations.
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New Center Aims to Identify Mental Health Vulnerabilities in Toddlers https://t.co/vgKT8pbEHQ #rehabnearme
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