The number of children in Beijing with mental health problems has been increasing over the past few years, according to a report released by the Beijing Health Bureau early this month.

"The number has risen rapidly in recent years. If not treated at an early stage the problem can become serious conditions," said Mao Yu, deputy director of the health bureau.

The most recent statistics from 2002 estimate the city has 1.6 million children and that 18.2 percent have mental conditions compared with 8.3 percent in 1984.

Cui Yonghua, a child psychiatrist at Beijing Anding Hospital, said 70 percent of children diagnosed with mental health problems were suffering from hyperactive or transient disorder.

"They can't concentrate on something for a long time," Cui said. "These children are usually found to have a bad temper or be more active than their peers. Without psychological skills, teachers don't have proper skills to help these children."

Cui said that often the children, most of whom are the only child in their family, are viewed as "naughty boys" and "rebellious girls".

"They play hooky and get bad scores. Parents take the rebellious behavior for granted and that makes the case even worse," he said.

Cui also said that some parents view mental health problems as bringing shame on the family and refuse to take the children to hospital, which means they miss the best time for treatment.

Cui said he had treated one 11-year-old boy who locked himself in a room and didn't want to step out of the home. The boy was diagnosed with depression.

With both medical and psychological treatment he can now walk outside and even talk with others. However, not all children with mental health problems are able to get proper medical help from professionals.

Zheng Yi, vice-president of the Asian Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Allied Professions, revealed in May that an estimated 30 million children in China suffer from mental health problems, but less than 300 doctors nationwide specialize in children's mental health.

In the United States one in four psychiatrists treat children, Zheng said. The international average for children with mental health problems was from 15 to 20 percent of the population, but Zheng said the number in China is "more than that".

Yao Ping, a physiology teacher at Peking University, who has studied mental health for 16 years, said the best time to build a good mental condition is before 6 years old.

"The right instruction from parents during that time is very important," Yao said.

But, parents often shout or beat their kids or pamper them. "Neither approach is good for the mental health of kids," she said.

Yao said parents should provide opportunities for kids to express their thoughts and feelings and make the relationship between kids and parents a friendship.

China Daily

(China Daily 08/24/2010)