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Motor Problems as a Risk Factor for Poorer Mental Health in Children and Adolescents: What Do We Know and Should We Be Screening for Psychological Difficulties in Those with Poor Motor Skills?

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Abstract

The individual and societal costs of mental health problems in children and adolescents and the associated potential negative outcomes for adulthood have been highlighted. While the importance of increasing knowledge and awareness of developmental risk factors for mental health issues has been noted, the significant relationship between motor skill and mental health difficulties continues to be under-recognized and lacks public awareness, including in health professionals. This paper discusses the evidence demonstrating that motor skill difficulties may increase risk for poorer mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depression. It is argued that increased awareness of this relationship, with screening of associated mental health problems as a first step, is imperative in order to target assessment and intervention efforts and improve outcomes for individuals with movement problems.

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Correspondence to Daniela Rigoli.

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Daniela Rigoli and Jan. P. Piek declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Rigoli, D., Piek, J.P. Motor Problems as a Risk Factor for Poorer Mental Health in Children and Adolescents: What Do We Know and Should We Be Screening for Psychological Difficulties in Those with Poor Motor Skills?. Curr Dev Disord Rep 3, 190–194 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-016-0091-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-016-0091-9

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