Prevalence of Chronic Illness among Youth with DSM-IV-TR Axis I Diagnoses at a Large Mental Health Agency in Northeast Ohio.

Abstract

This descriptive study examines the prevalence of comorbid physical and mental health issues among young clients at a large mental health agency. Health status data was collected from the intake process of youth seeking mental health services at a Northeast Ohio agency (n = 1,076). The results show a higher prevalence of asthma and obesity among clients with known mental health diagnoses at this agency compared to national averages. The results could help the agency develop strategies for implementation of an integrated care model to better meet the complex needs of the clients served.