California Sees Rise in Latino Youth Psychiatric Hospitalizations

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Psychiatric hospitalization among Latino children and young adults in California are dramatically rising, especially among minorities, including Latinos. Among Latinos age 21 and younger, rates rose 86% from 2007 and 2014 according to new state data.

The California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development collected the data, which amounted to over 17,000 Latinos during this time period. The cause for the trend has not been determined, however, theories including a lack of culturally and linguistically engaging mental health services for Latinos as well as the social stigma in the community are thought to be part of the overall problem.

“Often, [Latinos] wait until they are falling apart,” said Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, professor at the University of California, Davis Medical School and the Center for Reducing Health Disparities.

There is some thought that the trend is positive as it reflects a willingness by Latino parents to seek treatment for themselves and/or for their children. Among adult Latinos, hospitalizations rose 38% compared to a rise of 21% among African Americans; the rate for White adults remained unchanged.

Other root causes for the dramatic rises have been attributed to the recent economic recession and the disintegration of many families due to the traumatic fleeing from violence in Central and South America.

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