Paediatricians need to develop a range of mental health competencies to address the rising rates of mental health disorders in children and adolescents, according to an updated policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The academy originally issued a policy statement on mental health competencies for paediatric primary care in 2009.

Since then, increases in childhood mental health morbidity and mortality have further increased the urgency of enhancing paediatric mental health practice, say the authors of the statement.

Lead author and US paediatrician Dr Jane Meschan Foy says doctors who care for children, whether in primary care or other specialty settings, typically have long-lasting, trusting relationships with patients and families.