The mental health surveillance of adolescents, within a school setting

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to demonstrate a different approach to identify and assess adolescents experiencing mental health problems, within a school setting. Presently we rely on primary care professionals to identify mental health problems and adolescents are often reluctant to access such services. One of the benefits of utilising a mental health surveillance screening tool is to identify mental health problems in adolescents and to implement early intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional survey of school pupils from a secondary school was conducted, using the Paediatric Symptom Checklist for Youths (PSCY). The self‐administered questionnaire was completed and identified adolescents were then assessed by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Out of 247 pupils, 84 per cent of the adolescents completed the questionnaire.

Findings

From the screening tool, 25 per cent were identified for assessment. During their assessment 64 per cent of the young people were given self‐help guides and health promotion advice. The remaining 26 per cent of the adolescents were provided treatment sessions by CAMHS or by Children's Service Worker. Only 10 per cent of these adolescents had been previously seen within the CAMHS.

Research limitations/implications

The PSCY is a useful tool for identifying and assessing adolescents with mental health problems. However, these results are the preliminary findings of a feasibility study. This subject area is a rich source for future research.

Practical implications

Findings from this project will influence wider mental health surveillance of our adolescent population.

Social implications

This approach will also influence future service provision, for such a vulnerable population.

Originality/value

No comparative studies of this nature were found in the United Kingdom.

Citation

Sinclair, J. and Holden, S. (2013), "The mental health surveillance of adolescents, within a school setting", Mental Health Review Journal, Vol. 18 No. 2, pp. 83-92. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-10-2012-0028