Understanding the Mental Health Problems of Children and Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirstin Painter ◽  
Maria Scannapieco
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Cultural Humility ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Evidence Based Treatments

Understanding Mental Health Problems of Children and Adolescents: A Guide for Social Workers provides a practical guide for social workers on promoting positive mental health in youth from a system of care perspective. Social workers will gain an understanding of the scope of mental health issues in youth, along with definitions, etiology, and evidence-based treatments. The book emphasizes the importance of collaborating with youth and caregivers, addressing issues from a strengths and trauma-informed perspective, and cultural humility practice. A unique aspect of the book is the presentation of real-life case studies that allow the reader to apply the information in each section of the book. Each diagnosis is presented in two chapters. The first chapter discusses the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the biological aspects of the disorder, and its differential diagnoses followed by a case study applying the diagnostic criteria. The second chapter presents evidence-based treatments and medications. Information on how to access evidence-based treatments for each diagnosis is provided, followed by a discussion of the outcomes of the case studies from the previous chapter. The final chapters discuss the importance of collaborating with schools, mental health providers, child protective services, and others.

Framework for Understanding and Treating Mental Health Problems

2021 ◽  
pp. 14-25
Author(s):  
Kirstin Painter ◽  
Maria Scannapieco
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Systems Of Care ◽  
Treatment Decision ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Cultural Humility ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Treatment Decision Making ◽  
Systems Model

This chapter focuses on five important components when working with children with mental health problems and their families. The ecological systems model recognizes the dynamic two-way relationship between the systems that affect the youth’s environment and the youth’s responses to those effects and the factors that may facilitate or impede the child’s environmental adaptation. Systems of care is a service delivery method where youth and their families are seen as capable and equal to the professionals in the treatment decision-making process. Evidence-based practices and programs are interventions and programs that incorporate strongly supported evidence-based practices while also encouraging the combination of individual skills and uniqueness. Cultural humility is a multiperspective approach to working with diverse populations, one based on the understanding of the importance of diverse cultures, beliefs, values, and morals. Finally, engagement and strengths-based practices encourage an exhaustive examination of many factors that may prevent effective engagement between the social worker and his or her clients.

scholarly journals Child maltreatment, cognitive functions and the mediating role of mental health problems among maltreated children and adolescents in Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Herbert E. Ainamani ◽  
Godfrey Z. Rukundo ◽  
Timothy Nduhukire ◽  
Eunice Ndyareba ◽  
Tobias Hecker
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Child Maltreatment ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems

Abstract Background Child maltreatment poses high risks to the mental health and cognitive functioning of children not only in childhood but also in later life. However, it remains unclear whether child maltreatment is directly associated with impaired cognitive functioning or whether this link is mediated by mental health problems. Our study aimed at examining this research question among children and adolescents in Uganda. Methods A sample of 232 school-going children and adolescents with a mean age of 14.03 (SD = 3.25) was assessed on multiple forms of maltreatment using the Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology Exposure—Pediatric Version (pediMACE). Executive functions were assessed by the Tower of London task and working memory by the Corsi Block Tapping task, while mental health problems were assessed using the Child PTSD Symptom Scale for PTSD and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC). Results In total, 232 (100%) of the participant reported to have experienced at least one type of maltreatment in their lifetime including emotional, physical, and sexual violence as well as neglect. We found a negative association between child maltreatment and executive functions (β = − 0.487, p < 0.001) and working memory (β = − 0.242, p = 0.001). Mental health problems did not mediate this relationship. Conclusions Child maltreatment seems to be related to lower working memory and executive functioning of affected children and adolescents even after controlling for potential cofounders. Our study indicates that child maltreatment the affects children’s cognitive functionality beyond health and well-being.

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