Finding a Correlation Between Brain Inflammation and Behavioral Issues

It is estimated that nearly 17% of children in the United States between the ages of 6-17—about 7.7million—are diagnosed with at least one treatable mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many of these children are actually suffering from infections and immune dysfunctions resulting from brain inflammation that cause psychiatric issues—which most often go undiagnosed. Tragically, many of these children end up in the juvenile detention system.
Behavioral Diagnosis in Youth Detention Centers

Why We Need Research

Our failure to identify the adolescents who are in fact, sick, is condemning them to a life where they have been labeled as criminals or psychiatrically ill.

Studies show that approximately 70% of adolescents in juvenile detention centers have a diagnosable mental disorder—often going untreated—with 30% of them considered to be in severe condition. The distress faced within detention centers tends to worsen the mental health of those detained instead of improving it. More than 80% of justice-involved youth experience trauma that can manifest into problems that extend into adulthood such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, substance abuse and self-harm. The exacerbated mental conditions for these adolescents can also lead to high rates of repeat offenses and reentry back into the very system that worsens their condition.

While more mental health services and procedures are being implemented at some juvenile detention centers, we are only just scratching the surface. Many still lack the resources needed to adequately diagnose and treat them, often just medicating the symptoms and behaviors rather than the root issue.

While better diagnosis of mental health conditions are vital for recovery, more and more research tells us that neuropsychiatric problems, such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD—all of which we see in detained adolescents—can often result from immune dysfunction resulting from brain inflammation.

Our Proposed Solution

We predict that 40%-60% percent of those within juvenile detention centers are actually sick, either from an undiagnosed infection or immune dysfunction caused by infection, resulting in brain inflammation that can cause psychiatric issues.

A reason for that prediction is due to the correlation between trauma, inflammation and resulting mental health issues. When someone experiences trauma—whether physical or psychological—the body’s stress response is activated, releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and inflammatory mediators. This heightened inflammatory state is a natural defense mechanism designed to facilitate healing and protect against potential threats. However, chronic inflammation can occur if there is prolonged exposure to trauma, leading to detrimental effects on the brain and nervous system. Studies suggest that persistent inflammation may contribute to alterations in neurotransmitter function, neuronal structure, and the regulation of stress-related pathways, ultimately increasing vulnerability to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—all of which we see in the juvenile detention centers at an alarming rate. Understanding the intricate interplay between trauma, inflammation, and mental health is critical to better treat these children beyond their mental health conditions.

Step one would be to conduct a study to test and identify the children in the juvenile system who are in fact sick and in need of medical care to help them recover. With this groundbreaking research, we could potentially revolutionize how we are treating these children and put them on a path to full recovery and healing.

This research would allow us to define the scope of the problem. When the study is completed, our next step would be to host a conference to begin a national discussion of the issue. The third step would be to partner with academic research institutions throughout the U.S. to design and implement treatment programs for these individuals based on best medical practices.

The ultimate goals are simple: find the kids who are sick, get them out of a system that is designed to keep them sick, define the best treatments and give these children their lives back.

We Need Your Help

We are currently seeking collaborators and supporters to execute this critically important research. Whether you are a medical researcher, part of a potentially interested supporting organization, or simply want to donate to this cause, we are eager to work together and appreciate your support.

Grant Opportunities:

We are currently seeking and evaluating grants and funding opportunities that would consider financial support for research and education on mental health for juveniles, especially within the juvenile justice and detention systems. Please contact us if there is a funding opportunity you would like to share with us.

Partnering Organizations:

This work is impossible without the support of juvenile justice and mental health advocacy groups and those interested in supporting this cause. Please contact us if you are interested in collaborating to fulfill this research.

Medical Researchers and Advisors:

If you are an interested in performing medical research for this effort or partnering as a medical advisor, we are currently seeking top-tier partners with expertise in autoimmune encephalitis and mental health diagnosis. Please contact us if you are interested in participating in this critical research or have a recommendation.
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