Home > What is the role of general practice in addressing youth mental health? A discussion paper.

Cullen, Walter and Broderick, N and Connolly, D and Meagher, D (2012) What is the role of general practice in addressing youth mental health? A discussion paper. Irish Journal of Medical Science, 181, (2), pp. 189-197. DOI 10.1007/s11845-011-0757-6.

Background : Mental and substance use disorders are a leading cause of morbidity among young people. Policy and clinical services in Ireland are endeavouring to address these twin issues.

Aims : To review the emerging literature on the role of general practice in addressing youth mental health and to discuss the implications of this literature for further research, education and service delivery.

Methods : We conducted a review of ‘PubMed’ and a web search of relevant national/international primary/mental healthcare agencies and professional bodies.

Results : Although general practice has an important role in addressing youth mental health, there are challenges in how young people seek help. Specifically, young people do not engage with healthcare agencies and many factors which act as barriers and enablers in this regard have been identified. The detection and treatment of mental and substance use disorders by GPs can be improved and implementing interventions to improve screening and early intervention are likely to be valuable.

Conclusions : General practice is a central agency in addressing youth mental health and complex multifaceted interventions (education, clinical guidelines, and promoting awareness) are likely to support its role. Further research exploring this issue is a priority.


Item Type
Article
Publication Type
International, Article
Drug Type
All substances
Intervention Type
Harm reduction
Date
2012
Identification #
DOI 10.1007/s11845-011-0757-6
Page Range
pp. 189-197
Publisher
Springer
Volume
181
Number
2
EndNote
Accession Number
HRB (Not in collection)
Related (external) link

Click here to request a copy of this literature

Repository Staff Only: item control page