Service Integration in Early Prevention and Intervention with Children at Risk of Developing Mental Health Problems

Accurate identification of young children at risk for mental health problems is a key step in establishing early childhood preventive intervention programs. Without psychometrically valid identification procedures, children in need of early intervention may not be identified and may not receive appropriate care. This article provides a review of universal screening measures to help teachers, school psychologists, and other mental health professionals make informed decisions about selecting tools to assist in identifying preschool-age children at risk for mental health problems. A review of the literature on broadband measures designed to screen the social and emotional functioning of children age 3 to 5 years old yielded three published measures that met predetermined inclusionary criteria. An additional unpublished measure was also included. Selected measures were reviewed according to the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. Special attention was given to predictive validity indices, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. The results of the review provided information on the measures that were most psychometrically sound and cost-effective for screening young children for mental health problems. Recommendations are made for routine screening, so young children can be referred for prevention programming before their problems worsen and negatively affect their development.

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From Medical Student to Medical Resident

Advances in Medical Education, Research, and Ethics - Exploring the Pressures of Medical Education From a Mental Health and Wellness Perspective ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-2811-1.ch006 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 145-169 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Warren G. McDonald ◽

Matt Martin ◽

Lenard D. Salzberg

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

At Risk ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Medical Profession ◽

Health Problems ◽

Medical Residents ◽

First Year ◽

Practical Training ◽

Systematic Screening ◽

Health Distress

The transition from medical school to board-certified medical practice includes a period of intense, practical training known as medical residency. Medical residents are at risk for greater mental health distress than the general population. Interns, which are first year residents, are most at risk for, at worst, depression and suicidal ideation, and, at best, negative outlooks on the medical profession. Risk factors include role transition, decreased sleep, relocation, isolation, stigma toward mental health problems and treatment, and health care industry changes. Untreated mental health problems can lead to burnout later during a physician's career. Residents thrive on social and organisational support which can include systematic screening and treatment of mental health problems. Although research regarding best practices for addressing mental health problems during residency is limited, we offer four core strategies for preventing and addressing mental health problems in medical residents: education, screening, treatment, and support.

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Using the WHO–5 Well-Being Index to Identify College Students at Risk for Mental Health Problems

Journal of College Student Development ◽

10.1353/csd.2017.0008 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 113-117 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Andrew Downs ◽

Laura A. Boucher ◽

Duncan G. Campbell ◽

Anita Polyakov

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

College Students ◽

At Risk ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Problems ◽

Students At Risk

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The Cause and Consequence of Mental Health Problems Among At-Risk Youth

Journal of Adolescent Health ◽

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2015.08.006 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 57 (5) ◽

pp. 453-454 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Joseph R. Rojas ◽

Tumaini R. Coker

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

At Risk ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

At Risk Youth

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Drug use and criminality among unaccompanied refugee minors: a review of the literature

International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care ◽

10.1108/ijmhsc-05-2019-0050 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 93-107 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anna-Karin Ivert ◽

Mia-Maria Magnusson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

At Risk ◽

Substance Abuse ◽

Drug Use ◽

International Research ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Unaccompanied Refugee Minors ◽

Content Type ◽

Refugee Minors

Purpose Organisations working with children have acknowledged that unaccompanied refugee minors (URM) across Europe are exposed to environments and situations that put them at risk for becoming addicted to drugs or becoming involved in crime. The purpose of this paper is to study an examination of existing international research concerning URM and of whether, and if so how, issues relating to drug use and criminality among these children are discussed in the international literature. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was conducted using PsycINFO, PubMed, Sociological abstracts and ERIC databases, which together cover the social and behavioural science and also medicine. Findings Findings from the present review show that the issues of drug abuse and criminality among URM are rarely acknowledged in the international research literature. When the occurrence of substance abuse and/or criminality is discussed, it is often in relation to mental health problems and in terms of self-medication, i.e. that alcohol or drugs are used by the URM to cope with painful experiences or mental health problems, and also with the challenges of integrating into a new society, difficulties finding work, unsuitable living conditions and a lack of social support. Originality/value This review shows that several researchers have emphasised that untreated mental health problems, stressful living conditions and a lack of support and control might put these children at risk for substance abuse and criminality, and this suggests a need for further research in this area.

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