ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH IN PENNSYLVANIA
Among U.S. children and adolescents aged 10 to 19, approximately 11% are estimated to suffer from a serious mental disorder that causes significant functional impairment in their day-to-day lives at home, in school and with peers. In Pennsylvania, this translates to an estimated:
- 183,264 young people suffering from serious mental illness with significant functional impairment.
(1999, Report of the U.S. Surgeon General & 2008, U.S. Census Estimates)
Among adolescents 12 to 17 years old in Pennsylvania:
- 8% suffered an episode of major depression
- 7% experienced illicit drug dependence or abuse
- 5% experienced alcohol dependence or abuse
(2006-2007, SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health Promotion)
ADOLESCENT SUICIDE IN PENNSYLVANIA
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 11 to 21 year-olds. Between 1999 and 2006, 951 of these young people died by suicide. (CDC, WISQARS Database)
- Youth suicides were reported in 49 Pennsylvania counties from 2004-2006. (Pennsylvania Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative)
- Tenth grade high school students reported in 2007 that within the last 12-month period:
- 33 % felt depressed or sad most days
- 23 % sometimes think that life is not worth it
(Pennsylvania Youth Survey, 2007)
TEENSCREEN IN PENNSYLVANIA
TeenScreen Schools and Communities sites: 75
The first local TeenScreen program was established: 2001
STATE MENTAL HEALTH AGENCY
Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
P.O. Box 2675, Room 502
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675
Website: www.dpw.state.pa.us
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