Nearly 20 percent of kids and teens in the United States have some sort of mental disorder, according to a recent report from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Diagnoses of such disorders are on the rise. “What’s concerning is the number of families affected by these issues,” says Dr. Ruth Perou, who was the lead author of the study. “We can do something about this. Mental health problems are diagnosable, treatable and people can recover and lead full, healthy lives.” The study found that children aged 3 to 17 account for $247 million worth of medical bills, special education and juvenile justice. Many have serious trouble in school and in social activities, and some are at risk for suffering lifelong problems in regard to their physical health, as well. (Reuters)

Paul Asay has covered religion for The Washington Post, Christianity Today, Beliefnet.com and The (Colorado Springs) Gazette. He writes about culture for Plugged In and wrote the Batman book God on the Streets of Gotham (Tyndale). He lives in Colorado Springs with wife, Wendy, and two children. Follow him on Twitter.