Academic pediatrics
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Academic pediatrics · Mar 2012
Burden of unmet mental health needs in assault-injured youths presenting to the emergency department.
To determine if there is a gap between behavioral symptoms and previously recognized mental health conditions in youth victims of peer assault injuries and to describe gender differences in psychological symptoms. ⋯ After an ED visit for an assault-related injury, less than half of 10 to 15 year olds with significant symptoms of common mental conditions reported having a previously diagnosed disorder, reflecting a burden of unmet psychological needs. An ED visit for an assault injury provides an opportunity to screen for emotional/behavioral symptoms and to refer to appropriate follow-up mental health care.