Presidential Statement on War, Trauma, and Youth Mental Health
Washington, DC - The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is seriously concerned about the toll that war, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises take on children and adolescents. Around the world, children face violence, displacement, and loss that threaten their health, safety, and futures.
“Families in crisis need guidance they can trust,” said AACAP President Tami Benton, MD. “Parents trust child and adolescent psychiatrists because we rely on science, rigorous training, and extensive clinical experience to guide every recommendation we make. Now more than ever, parents, caregivers, and policymakers can count on AACAP to provide expertise grounded in evidence, not ideology.”
Trauma is real and has lasting effects. Children living in conflict areas may experience fear, grief, and profound emotional distress. Children far from violence are also affected when they witness graphic images and stories through news and social media. Both direct and indirect exposure can disrupt healthy development, leading to anxiety, depression, and other serious mental health challenges.
As child and adolescent psychiatrists, we are the physician leaders in children’s mental health. We are trained to recognize and treat the effects of trauma and remain committed to helping children and families everywhere cope, recover, and build resilience.
AACAP calls on leaders and policymakers to make children’s mental health a priority, both in the United States and abroad. This includes ensuring access to evidence-based care, strengthening the child mental health workforce, and investing in programs that create safety and stability for children affected by conflict.
AACAP stands with children and families across the globe. We will continue to provide expert guidance, advocate for evidence-based solutions, and work to protect and promote the mental health of every child, everywhere.
Tami D. Benton, MD
President, AACAP
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The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry promotes the healthy development of children, adolescents, and families through advocacy, education, and research. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are the leading physician authority on children’s mental health. For more information, please visit www.aacap.org
Media Contact:
Rob Grant, Communications Director
202.966.7300
rgrant@aacap.org
www.aacap.org