Child and adolescent mental health conditions
In Ireland, the mental health of children and adolescents is a growing concern, with 22 per cent of 15-19-year-olds experiencing a mental disorder. Suicide rates have also seen an increase, with 10 per cent of young people attempting suicide between 2012 and 2017. Early detection and treatment of mental health issues in young people are crucial to prevent long-term effects.
The importance of addressing mental health issues in children and adolescents was discussed in a recent Vhi 360 Hot Topics session. Experts highlighted common mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide. Early detection is key to providing appropriate care and support.
Dr Ngozi Oketah, a specialist in mental health at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin, emphasized the need for early intervention in mental health issues. Anxiety and depression are the most common disorders among young people, accounting for 63 per cent of cases. Dr Oketah highlighted the various ways anxiety can manifest and the importance of addressing it promptly.
Preventing suicide in young people is a priority, given that it is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-19-year-olds. Screening tools like the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) and the modified teen patient’s health questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9M) can help identify at-risk individuals.
ADHD is another prevalent mental health issue among young people, with a prevalence of 2.8 per cent in adults and five per cent in children globally. Dr Naazim Mohungoo, a child psychiatrist, discussed the challenges of diagnosing ADHD and the importance of considering other conditions that may present similar symptoms.
Early diagnosis and appropriate management of ADHD are essential to prevent potential long-term consequences. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments are available, with stimulants being the first-line medication for ADHD.
The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, providing valuable insights into the diagnosis and management of mental health disorders in children and adolescents. The session emphasized the importance of early intervention and appropriate referral pathways for young people.
Information
Vhi 360 Hot Topics offers educational webinars on key healthcare topics to support primary care providers. The recent webinar on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conditions can be accessed on www.medcafe.ie/webinars/825.
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