Why do children and adolescents (not) seek and access professional help for their mental health problems? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies.

ABSTRACT: Mental health disorders in children and adolescents are highly prevalent yet undertreated. A detailed understanding of the reasons for not seeking or accessing help as perceived by young people is crucial to address this gap. We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO 42018088591) of quantitative and qualitative studies reporting barriers and facilitators to children and adolescents seeking and accessing professional help for mental health problems. We identified 53 eligible studies; 22 provided quantitative data, 30 provided qualitative data, and one provided both. Four main barrier/facilitator themes were identified. Almost all studies (96%) reported barriers related to young people's individual factors, such as limited mental health knowledge and broader perceptions of help-seeking. The

SUBMITTER: Radez J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7932953 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature