The mental health surveillance of adolescents, within a school setting
| Pages | 83-92 |
| Published date | 21 June 2013 |
| Date | 21 June 2013 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-10-2012-0028 |
| Author | John Sinclair,Stephanie Holden |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
The mental health surveillance of
adolescents, within a school setting
John Sinclair and Stephanie Holden
John Sinclair is Primary
Mental Health Worker and
Stephanie Holden is Practice
Education Facilitator and
Primary Mental Health Worker,
both at Child and Adolescent
Mental Health Services,
Dingwall, UK.
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 froma 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.
Keywords Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Adolescents, Health surveillance,
Health promotion, Education, Mental health services
Paper type Research paper
Background
Within Scotland around a quarter of the population are under 19 years old. About 10 per cent,
representing 125,000 young people, will be suffering from a mental health problem (Scottish
Government, 2003). The Scottish Government (2005) therefore produced a Framework for
Promotion, Prevention and Care (FPPC). FPPC looks at how local agencies (health, education
and social care) plan and deliver an integrated approach to address children and young
people’s mental health.
The Highland region of Scotland has 49,900 young people under the age of 19. Indicating that
at any one time 4,990 young people may be experiencing a mental health problem. Highland
region is the largest geographical area within Scotland and is one of the most sparsely
populated areas within Europe. Identifying and addressing young people with a mental health
problems within Highland, creates its own unique challenges for the Child and Adolescent
Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Thank you to: Dr Alexis Patterson,
Clinical Child Psychologist; Emma
Campbell, Primary Mental Health
Worker; George Sneddon, School
Nurse & Primary Mental Health
Worker; Judith Brissenden,
Children’s Service Worker;
Samantha Bruton, Student Nurse;
Stephen Gaffney,Depute Rector for
Pupil Support; and TeenScreen at
Columbia University for support
and supplying the questionnaires.
DOI 10.1108/MHRJ-10-2012-0028 VOL. 18 NO. 2 2013, pp. 83-92, CEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1361-9322
j
MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW JOURNAL
j
PAGE 83
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