ABSTRACT
Lessons learned Mental health challenges and disorders impose significant social and economic burden, not just on individuals with the disorders but also on households, communities, employers, health care systems, and governments. Studies demonstrate that untreated mental health and behavioral problems in childhood and adolescence can have profound longstanding social and economic consequences into adulthood. Specifically, untreated symptoms effect interpersonal relationships, impede educational attainment, increase potential for contact with the criminal justice system, lower employment and earning capacity, and erode self-concept and competence.
