In general, at least 30 million Chinese aged 7 to 18 have experienced emotional or behavioral problems. [Photo/VCG] Experts advise clinical treatment for inability to focus during school classes Mental health specialists warned of rising mental health issues among Chinese children and adolescents including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, which now hits roughly 5 percent of them. If left untreated, between 10 to 20 percent of those with ADHD would develop serious symptoms such as underdeveloped speech, defiance, prolonged distress or anxiety, according to experts at a news conference hosted by the National Health Commission on Wednesday. In general, at least 30 million Chinese aged 7 to 18 have experienced emotional or behavioral problems, including ADHD, depression or selfharm, according to Liu Huaqing, head of the clinical psychology department at Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, who cited a report by the China Youth and Children Research Center in 2005. Worse, clinical observations have found a rise in mental health issues among them, he said. He recommended professional diagnosis and treatment, and an enhanced national effort to address the issue. The global picture isn't bright. The World Health Organization estimates that the number of children with mental illnesses will climb 50 percent by 2020, making it one of the five leading causes of disability and death. Because of the social stigma associated with mental disabilities and a lack of public awareness, a mere 20 percent of young people with mental illnesses worldwide get proper treatment. In a choice between psychological counseling and a mental health clinic, I advise the latter, said Cao Qingjiu, head of children's ward at Peking University Sixth Hospital. If a child's anxiety or depression impairs daily functioning, take them to the hospital immediately. In Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, a middle school recently installed closed-circuit TV cameras in classrooms to capture students' facial expressions and behavioral changes to assess their ability to concentrate in class. Cao said security cameras can help identify children with ADHD. A fleeting moment of absence of mind is normal, but if a student keeps fidgeting and can't focus for a long time, he should go see a doctor, he said. Liu, the clinical psychologist, described a phenomenon prevalent among his visitors at the hospital. Two-thirds of my patients were sent far away to their grandparents in early childhood, Liu said. The sense of being abandoned frustrates them and renders them vulnerable to emotional anxiety. Liu added that parents should stay close to their children as much as possible before age 6. No matter how busy you are as a millennial parent, it's your responsibility to rear your children and give them a healthy future. Wang Xiaoyu contributed to this story. logo braceletsthe wristband factorycustom silicone wristbandsblack rubber braceletsglow wristbands
DHAKA -- China will fund Bangladesh for construction of the ninth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge and other infrastructure development projects. Bangladesh's Economic Relations Department (ERD) Secretary Kazi Shofiqul Azam and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ma Mingqiang signed an agreement in this regard on Thursday in Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. Ma said China has been supporting Bangladesh's infrastructure development to help it realize its economic development goals. "I hope that we can use this money smartly and more efficiently so that more and more people can benefit from this excellent relationship between Bangladesh and China," Ma said. Kazi Shofiqul Azam said Bangladesh's relationship with China is excellent and outstanding. Seven friendship bridges have been completed across Bangladesh under Chinese grants, and the eighth one is under construction, he said. "It will be a symbol of friendship actually. We hope that we will be able to sign another grant agreement in near future." The Chinese assistance will play a vital role on the economic and social development of the country as well as the communication sector, an ERD statement said. ERD said the location of the ninth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge and other infrastructure projects will be settled later on through negotiations of the two governments. The eighth friendship bridge is under construction over Kocha River in southern Bangladesh. The length of the bridge will be 1,400 meters and Bangladesh Roads and Highway department has been carrying out the project. The construction of the first Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, with a span of more than 917 meters in length, began in October 1986, and was completed in February 1989.
