Mental health of children and adolescents: epidemiological, assistance and bioethical considerations

Abstract

This paper examines the Epidemiological aspects of children and adolescents with mental health problems in the world and in Brazil, this age range most common disorders, the etiology of such disorders, with emphasis on family environment, finding a strong association between domestic violence and the occurrence of such disturbances. It addressed the crisis in health services supply for children and adolescents with mental disorders in Brazil, and the lack of trained professionals to deal with this group of patients. Bioethics aspects involved in assistance are discussed also, with emphasis on these patients’ vulnerability in exercising their autonomy. It finishes by considering that to encompass the bioethics principle of justice, it is imperious to establish and to implement community mental health services, specialized in assisting children and adolescents, particularly in poor regions as well as at the periphery of large cities

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