PATHWAYS TO PSYCHIATRIC CARE AMONG CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

Abstract

sychiatric disorders in children and adolescents are unquestionably ubiquitous and burdensome (Akhter et al., 2017). Data indicate that the need for child and adolescent mental health services are not fully met anywhere in the world. The scenario is comparatively worse in developing countries (WHO, 2005). Untreated pediatric mental illness leads to complications including lifelong disability, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior (Wang et al., 2005). Health care providers and many of the population in Egypt are not as aware of this as they should be, Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable as they do not participate in the decision-making process but can only seek care through the pathways that the parents may choose (Hussein et al., 2012). Delay in reaching psychiatric service can possibly lead to the deterioration in the overall quality of life and can worsen the desirable outcome.