THE DETECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF MENTAL-HEALTH DISORDERS IN PEDIATRIC PRIMARY-CARE

We reviewed the literature on the detection and management of mental h ealth disorders within the context of pediatric primary care. Pediatri cians have displayed a low sensitivity and high specificity in researc h investigating the detection of mental health impairment in children. Active management efforts characterize approaches to identified cases with more recently trained primary care pediatricians displaying a wi der range of skills in managing mental health disorders. Few efforts h ave been made by pediatric psychologists to develop strategies for enh ancing detection rates and management or to empirically evaluate the i ntegration of pediatric psychology services into the primary care cont ext. A conceptual model of factors influencing detection rates and ong oing management of mental health disorders within pediatric primary ca re is presented. Recommendations are made for more direct involvement of pediatric psychologists within the primary care context.