Children of men and women in the military service are at a higher risk for behavioral, emotional, and social problems. This is according to a study released by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The new clinical report was published on the journal of Pediatrics of the academy on May 27, Memorial Day, with the aim of encouraging pediatricians to attend to mental health needs of military children. The study titled "Health and Mental Health Needs of Children in U.S. Military Families" was spearheaded by Dr. Beth Ellen Davis who is an active member of a committee looking after psychosocial aspects of military families.
The report detailed that about two million children have experienced deployment of their parents since the Iraq and Afghanistan wars started. These children have experienced being separated from their parents who are in active duty.
The new study found out that one in every four children of service members in active duty show symptoms of depression while one in two reported difficulty sleeping. The results of the survey also showed that one in three suffer from excessive worrying.
The mental health issues arising from military deployments of loved ones seem to affect all ages but those between 5- and 17-years old seem to have a higher risk for behavioral and emotional problems. Pre-school kids of servicemen who have been deployed for extended periods demonstrated high levels of withdrawal and anxiety.
"Most children cope and adapt quite well, but all children experience a heightened sense of fear and worry during a parent's deployment," explained Davis in an interview with CBS News.
She emphasized how pediatricians should be aware of the situation of military families so they can guide them accordingly. The study reminded medical professionals the importance of screening military children for stressors that may be induced by their parent's deployment. It also pointed out that pediatricians can re-assure the family and spouse of the soldier to help them cope with the situation.
The study also encouraged pediatricians to assess the mental condition of the parent left at home, check for signs of child abuse, and look into the family's background that may make it more difficult for them to cope with the issues of being part of a military family.
