4 Troubled Teens Blog

The Federal Trade Commission has released a list of 15 questions parents can ask to ensure that the residential program they are considering for their troubled teen will be safe and helpful.

"If the program claims to be licensed, get the name of the state agency that issued the license and contact the agency to verify that the license is current. Often, the licensing will be through a state Department of Health and Human Services or its equivalent. If the program's representative can't provide the name of the licensing agency, consider it a red flag."

Unlicensed programs aren't necessarily bad, but you'll want to check with the state attorney general and the Better Business Bureau to check the program's validity and track record. Also, follow up on any claims the treatment facility makes about accreditation and staff credentials. Source: Federal Trade Commission

Read So You are Considering Residential Treatment for Your Teen: Questions to Ask for more tips.

Labels: licensing, residential_treatment_centers, questions

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Although the rate of teen suicides is up, the actual number of teenagers who commit suicide remains small, according to Dr. Nancy Rappaport of Harvard Medical School.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people ages 14 to 24. The rate for suicides was 6.7 per 100,000 in 2003 compared to 9.4 per 100,000 in 2007. The number of suicides tripled between the late 1960s to the late 1980s, but dropped 30% since the early 1990s. Many scientists believe that decrease was due to the use of anti-depressant drugs.

However, Dr. Rappaport, an expert on teen suicide, said there is no way to determine if teen suicides have increased because of "black box" warnings on drug labels mandated by the FDA in 2005.

The vast majority of teens who commit suicide are mentally ill. A 1987 study of 170 suicide victims found that 90% had mental disorders. Suicide is also associated with drug abuse. Teens most frequently commit suicide with guns, followed by drug overdoses and hangings.

If your child shows five of these symptoms, it is a good idea to take him to the doctor for an evaluation. Signs of suicidal ideation are excessive sleeping, irritability, depression, restlessness, lack of interest in friends and family, lack of interest in usual activities, loss of appetite, and a drop in school performance.

Your family doctor or therapist might recommend a residential treatment center for your teen. Island View is an adolescent treatment center that offers children a place to work through their emotions while earning school credits.

Labels: suicide, mental_health, residential_treatment_centers

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Troubled teens who participate in residential treatment programs maintain healthier outlooks and function more productively long after they leave the program, says a new study. Conducted by Canyon Research & Consulting, the study followed over 1000 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 for a year after they were discharges from a residential program.

"'In this final phase of the study we found that those teens who showed 'normal' post-treatment results at the time of discharge continued to be ranked in the normal range a year later.'"

This is one of the first studies of its kind that documents the long-term benefits of residential programs. Up to this point, most residential treatment facilities had to rely on anecdotal evidence and individual success stories. This new study provides vital information for families who are struggling over the decision about what do to with a troubled teen. Read more online.

Labels: treatment_programs, adolescent, residential_treatment_centers

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