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Screening in Adolescents for Mental Health Disorders in Primary Care
Angela Shaw
Maryville University
, 2
MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING
Screening in Adolescents for Mental Health Disorders in Primary Care
Mental health is imperative to a person’s well-being, family and interpersonal
relationships, and the ability to be a contributing member of society. Mental disorders are a
huge problem in the United States. They are among the most common causes of disability
(Mental health and mental disorders, 2019). An estimated 1 in 10 adolescents suffer from mental
health problems that affect their ability to function in school, at home, and with their peers
(Jackson Allen & McGuire, 2011). An alarming eighty percent of adolescents with mental
health issues do not receive any mental health evaluation or treatment (Jackson Allen &
McGuire, 2011). This paper aims to address mental health and mental health disorders in
adolescents aged 12-18.
Specifically, this paper will discuss prevention strategies that are relevant to advanced practice
nursing and Healthy People 2020’s mission to increase the proportion of primary care
provider office visits where youth aged 12-18 years are screened for depression (Mental health
status improvement, 2019).
The focus of this paper is to raise awareness about the need of mental health screening in
primary care for adolescents aged 12 to 18 years. The goal of the program is to promote the
improvement of mental health through prevention and to ensure there is access to appropriate
mental health screenings and services. Mental disorders are characterized as health conditions
that alter one’s thinking, mood, and behavior. They are associated with distress and impaired
functioning. Additionally, mental disorders can contribute to a number of health conditions
including disability, pain, physical illness, and suicide. It is imperative that screening
adolescents for mental health disorders be provided by primary health care providers in the
primary care setting.
Screening in Adolescents for Mental Health Disorders in Primary Care
Angela Shaw
Maryville University
, 2
MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING
Screening in Adolescents for Mental Health Disorders in Primary Care
Mental health is imperative to a person’s well-being, family and interpersonal
relationships, and the ability to be a contributing member of society. Mental disorders are a
huge problem in the United States. They are among the most common causes of disability
(Mental health and mental disorders, 2019). An estimated 1 in 10 adolescents suffer from mental
health problems that affect their ability to function in school, at home, and with their peers
(Jackson Allen & McGuire, 2011). An alarming eighty percent of adolescents with mental
health issues do not receive any mental health evaluation or treatment (Jackson Allen &
McGuire, 2011). This paper aims to address mental health and mental health disorders in
adolescents aged 12-18.
Specifically, this paper will discuss prevention strategies that are relevant to advanced practice
nursing and Healthy People 2020’s mission to increase the proportion of primary care
provider office visits where youth aged 12-18 years are screened for depression (Mental health
status improvement, 2019).
The focus of this paper is to raise awareness about the need of mental health screening in
primary care for adolescents aged 12 to 18 years. The goal of the program is to promote the
improvement of mental health through prevention and to ensure there is access to appropriate
mental health screenings and services. Mental disorders are characterized as health conditions
that alter one’s thinking, mood, and behavior. They are associated with distress and impaired
functioning. Additionally, mental disorders can contribute to a number of health conditions
including disability, pain, physical illness, and suicide. It is imperative that screening
adolescents for mental health disorders be provided by primary health care providers in the
primary care setting.
