CHILDREN with poor mental health are two thirds more likely to have reduced ability to work as adults, a study has found.

Researchers at the Institute for Public Policy Research followed individuals born in a single week in 1970 throughout their lives.

They found that those that had mental health problems at age 10 experienced significant implications 40 years on.  

Those with severe mental and behavioural problems were 85 per cent more likely to have symptoms of depression at age 51 and 68 per cent more likely to have a long-term condition that affects their ability to work. 

Children with a physical health problem were also 38 per cent more likely to have limited capacity for work later in life.  

The charity's senior research fellow Dr Jamie O’Halloran said: “The earlier we address both physical and mental health challenges in children, the more likely we can prevent costly health conditions and worklessness later in life.” 

Amy Gandon, an associate fellow of the institute and former senior Department of Health official on children’s health, said: "If this government is serious about building a preventative state, it must act decisively to improve the prospects of our children and young people."

With NHS, council services and social security system resources struggling and failing to cope with rising rates of poor mental health, “improving children’s health is not just morally right — it is a social and economic necessity,” the study says.

It recommends targeted investment including mental health support for 14 to 19-year-olds soon to enter the labour market.

Research added that spending on children’s mental health needs to be ring-fenced, while preventative spending should be “hardwired” in the NHS and other public services.