Examining ADHD, Other Mental Health Conditions In Blacks

When "undiagnosed and untreated, attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder or bipolar disorder can be devastating, particularly for blackadolescents," the Indianapolis Star reports. According to the Star, one in five U.S. children has ADHD, which can create problems with attentiveness, overactivity or impulsivity, or all three.

WilliamJones, an Indianapolis-based psychiatrist, said children with ADHD whohave not been treated before age 15 are three times more likely toabuse drugs or alcohol. In addition, 50% "of all incarcerated malesmeet diagnostic criteria for ADHD, and 80% of all high-school dropoutsare ADHD," he added. For bipolar disorder, there are few guidelinesavailable for treatment in children, leaving psychologists to applyadult standards that can cause "inconsistent and potentiallydevastating results," Randal Horton, a psychologist and president ofthe Indiana chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists,said. Horton added, "The increase of illnesses such as ADHD and bipolardisorder among black youths is a problem that needs to be addressed."

Thegroup is seeking to "educate the minority community about mental healthissues," Horton added. Annually, the group holds a reception to connectminority psychology students with professional psychologists, resultingin mentor relationships and research opportunities. The organizationalso facilitates a forum on mental health issues that is held inconjunction with Black Mental Health Month (Mullen, Indianapolis Star, 10/31).

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