Sestrinski glasnik, Vol. 28 No. 1, 2023.
Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.11608/sgnj.28.1.5
Nursing care in the prevention of mental health disorders in adolescents
Ilijana Grgić
orcid.org/0009-0006-6391-811X
; Klinički bolnički centar Sestre milosrdnice, Klinika za pedijatriju, Vinogradska cesta 29, 10 000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
Adolescence represents a transitional period between childhood and adulthood in which various emotional and cognitive changes occur, followed by individualization - a period of building one's own identity, values, and attitudes. Globally, it is estimated that 15-20% of adolescents have a problem with mental health disorders, among which the leading causes of the disease are: behavioral disorders, depression, and anxiety. To reduce the increase in mental health disorders, the World Health Organization launched a series of initiatives to improve interventions aimed at the development of adolescent care. Mental disorders are the third most common reason for visiting a school medicine doctor in Croatian primary and secondary schools. The most common mental health disorders in adolescents include affective and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, behavioral disorders, addictions, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal behavior. Priority and key strategies in the preservation of health are programs for the prevention of mental disorders aimed at providing psychosocial and individual support. One of the most important roles of the nurse/technician in the prevention of mental health disorders is the education of the adolescent, his family, and the wider community to better understand the adolescent's feelings and to spot changes in behavior that could lead to the development of mental health disorders. Assessment of the adolescent's mental health, holistic approach, motivational and positive relationship with the adolescent, active listening, building a therapeutic relationship, understanding and empathy, and support represent nursing care in the prevention of mental health disorders.
Keywords
adolescence; nursing; mental health disorder; prevention
Hrčak ID:
299863
URI
Publication date:
14.4.2023.
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