Psychopathology and Impairment in Adolescents at Health Clinics
Author Information
Author(s): Russell Sushila, Subramanian Balakrishnan, Russell Paul Swamidhas Sudhakar
Primary Institution: Christian Medical College, Vellore
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of psychopathology and associated functional impairment among adolescents attending an adolescent health clinic?
Conclusion
Adolescents attending health clinics should be screened for both psychopathology and functional impairment, as both are prevalent and require a combined treatment approach.
Supporting Evidence
- 8% of adolescents had a diagnosable psychopathology.
- All adolescents had significant functional impairment regardless of psychopathology.
- Adolescents with psychopathology had lower CGAS scores indicating more severe impairment.
Takeaway
Many teenagers who visit health clinics have mental health problems that make it hard for them to function well in life, so doctors need to check for these issues.
Methodology
The study assessed psychopathology and functional impairment in 100 adolescents using the Child Behaviour Checklist and the Child Global Assessment Scale.
Limitations
The study did not categorize different medical disorders that could also cause impairment, and it was not multicentric, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
51 males and 49 females, mean age 14.7 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
0.5 to 1.6
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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