This report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists calls for more specialist support to prevent babies and young children developing mental health problems in later life.
Research demonstrates that from conception onwards, rapid brain development influences the cognitive, emotional and social development of babies and young children. Pre-conception to 5 years is an important time in a child’s life and critical for brain and psychological development, the formation of enduring relationship patterns, and emotional, social and cognitive functioning – all of which are foundations for healthy development, but which can also confer protection against mental health conditions.
The establishment of sensitive, attuned and responsive relationships is essential for positive mental health and wellbeing and underpins interventions to address problems in social and emotional development, poor mental health and mental health conditions in under 5s.
This report shows there is growing evidence that intervening very early on - from conception to the age of five - may help stop conditions arising or worsening.
NHS data shows about 5% of two to four-year-olds struggle with anxiety, behavioural disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions including ADHD.