LONDON, March 31 (UPI) -- Embedded mental health support in British schools led to improvements in self-reported behavioral problems among primary school pupils, researchers said.
Study leader Dr. Miranda Wolpert of the University College London said the study tracked and analyzed the progress of 18,235 children in 526 schools in England.
The study found tools designed to improve communication between health and education professionals -- such as good links between schools and specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and the provision of mental health information to pupils -- were all associated with reductions in pupils' difficulties in controlling aggression and anger in secondary school.
About 10 percent of children had a clinically diagnosable mental health problem and the authors of the report recommend intervening early as a key to managing behavioral problems, the study said.
"It may make sense to prioritize mental health work with primary school pupils in relation to behavioral problems to have maximum impact before problems become too entrenched," the study said.
From 2008 to March 2011, $96 million was allocated across all local authorities in England to develop additional provision of mental health support in selected schools, including individual, group and whole-school interventions.
"This report indicates that targeted help in primary schools has helped reduce behavioral problems and should continue," Wolpert said in a statement. "It also indicates the need to build on the good work already happening across schools and the health services to ensure joined up services and support for mental health needs."
