Short communication, Note
Screening of mental health of seventh grade elementary school students in Zadar area 2014/2015 and 2015/2016
Ana Bačić
; Institute of Public Health Zadar
Antica Jurjević
; Institute of Public Health Zadar
Stela Klepac-Erstić
; Institute of Public Health Zadar
Abstract
Although sometimes considered as childhood and adolescence carefree period, as
many as 20% of children and adolescents have one or more mental disorders that can be
diagnosed. Assessment of mental illnesses or symptoms in children and adolescents are
different from adults in the assessment 3 important aspects. The first aspect takes into account
the context of the development of children, behaviors that are normal in young children in old
age can be an indicator of serious mental illness. It is also important context of the family,
which has a strong impact on the child's symptoms and behavior. Third, it is equally important
to take into account the fact that children often do not have the cognitive and linguistic
sophistication needed to accurately describe their symptoms. Whereas mental health is equally
important as physical health, problems detected in earlier age can significally decrease number
and intensitivity of psychiatric disorders in adult age. The aim of screening of mental health on
7th graders of Zadar area is early intervention which can compensate or correct the problems
and conditions that lead children to a number of negative outcomes. To test the potential risk
of disorders in 7th graders of Zadar area, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire SDQ
questionnaire was used. It examined emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity–
inattention, peer problems and prosocial behaviour. The results of this research are similar to
others on the same subject, where only small amount of children (<5%) have risks to develop
any psychiatric disorders in that early age.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
299046
URI
Publication date:
7.10.2016.
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