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Adolescent Mental Health in a Community Setting

Adolescent Mental Health in a Community Setting

Discussion

A 15-year-old female student was brought to the local health clinic by her parents due to concerns about her sudden change in behaviour over the past few months. Once an active participant in school activities and sports, she had become increasingly withdrawn, exhibiting signs of anxiety and depression. Her parents reported that she had lost interest in hobbies, struggled with academic performance, and experienced frequent mood swings.

Upon assessment, the healthcare provider noted that the patient displayed symptoms of social anxiety, including avoidance of social interactions and excessive worry about being judged by peers. She also mentioned feeling overwhelmed by academic pressure and a lack of support from friends. The family history included a relative with depression, raising concerns about potential genetic predisposition.

The healthcare provider conducted a mental health screening and identified that the adolescent met the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach, the provider referred the patient to a mental health specialist for counselling and recommended family therapy to address the dynamics at home.

The local public health department was notified, and they initiated a community awareness campaign focused on adolescent mental health, aiming to reduce stigma and promote access to mental health resources. Workshops were organized in schools to educate students and parents about recognizing mental health issues and providing support.

This case highlighted the importance of early identification and intervention for mental health issues in adolescents, the role of families in supporting mental wellness, and the need for public health initiatives to foster an understanding of mental health in the community.

Questions
1. What were the initial symptoms that led the patient to seek medical attention?

a). Cough and shortness of breath

b). Fever, fatigue, and severe headache

c). Rash and joint pain

d). Abdominal pain and diarrhoea

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. What environmental factor contributed to the patient’s risk of Lassa fever?

a). Contaminated water supply

b). Close contact with infected individuals

c). Presence of rodents around stored grain

d). Recent travel to an urban area

3. What key symptom indicated a more severe progression of the disease?

a). Mild headache

b). Bleeding gums and nosebleeds

c). Loss of appetite

d). Fatigue

4. What public health measures were taken following the diagnosis of Lassa fever in this case?

a). Immediate vaccination of all villagers

b). Implementation of rodent control measures and education on food storage

c). Quarantine of the entire village

d). Closure of local markets

Reveal answers

Answers

  1. b). Fever, fatigue, and severe headache
  2. c). Presence of rodents around stored grain
  3. b). Bleeding gums and nosebleeds
  4. b). Implementation of rodent control measures and education on food storage.