Clínical variables in childhood and adolescence mental health

Abstract

In this study, we comment on, by relating socialdemographical and clinical Jactors to the disorders described in the DSM-III, the importance of the globality of the elements that have influence on the Mental Health of both youth and chlidren. We, therefore, have to consider the child as a biopsycbosociological entity that is constantly progressing while, at the same time, is betng influenced by lots of variables related to bis/her inner and interpersonal context. It is important propase preuenttve programmes of detetection tbut irnpruve u pupuluttun 's quultty uf life so that the use of proper personal and socioeconomical resources can be implemented to best advantage. This study is based on 3 70 cases histories (between 1 O and 16 years) Jrom the Child-Youth population of tbree Prtmary Care Centers (CAP) from the city of Palencia. Tbe variables studied have been: priorltary diagnosis, associated diagnosis, sex, age, orlgins, school problems, psychiatrlc background, place in the family, culture of the parents and social skills and abilitíes.