The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a report that recommends pediatricians give closer scrutiny to the mental health status of children whose parents are active-duty military members.
The report says that children with parents stationed in combat zones are at high risk of developing a mental disorder.
According to the AAP, one in four children with parents who've deployed during wartime has dealt with symptoms of depression, and more than one-third of military children experience excessive worry that could become anxiety.
Poor coping skills and academic problems common
The report also found that 20 percent of children with a deployed parent or family member suffer from poor coping skills, a further 20 percent have academic problems, but some develop resiliency and gain independence in response to therapy.
The report did not give age ranges for the study, noting that all age ranges are affected at some level, with the younger children being more vulnerable. Deployments were also not measured for length or child development period. Half of all military parents who are deployed are gone for a year or more with few home visits.
Parents' mental health affects children's
Finally, parents who return from deployment with mental health issues also affect their children's mental health, and some children are known to have "sympathetic" disorders that mimic their parents to some degree.
Given these statistics, it is important to remember that active duty and veteran members of the military have many mental health issues that need to be addressed but are often ignored or downplayed. Their families suffer, too, and should be considered as well.
You can read the AAP's report in Pediatrics.
