Global child and adolescent mental health perspectives: bringing change locally, while thinking globally

Abstract

Child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) are a global priority. Different countries across the globe face unique challenges in CAMH services that are specific to them. However, there are multiple issues that are also similar across countries. These issues have been presented in this commentary from the lens of early career CAMH professionals who are alumni of the Donald J Cohen Fellowship program of the IACAPAP. We also present recommendations that can be implemented locally, namely, how promoting mental health and development of children and adolescents can result in better awareness and interventions, the need to improve quality of care and access to care, use of technology to advance research and practices in CAMH, and how investing in research can secure and support CAMH professionals and benefit children and adolescents across the globe. As we continue to navigate significant uncertainty due to dynamic circumstances globally, bolstering collaborations by “bringing change locally, while thinking globally” are invaluable to advancing global CAMH research, clinical service provision, and advancement of the field.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on child and adolescent mental health among healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

“…Medical doctors, nurses, clinical officers, midwives, psychologists, social workers, and community health workers were among the study participants. The diversity of the HCWs engaging in CAMH research brings together a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives, leading to a more integrated and effective approach to addressing CAMH challenges [ 2 , 74 ]. Collaboration of the different cadres of HCWs in addressing CAMH issues has been emphasized, as it can facilitate access to child mental health services [ 28 , 75 , 76 ].…”

“…Similarly, in India, doctors reported feeling unconfident in managing childhood psychiatric illnesses [ 99 ]. The scarcity of providers with specific competencies in CAMH is a global concern [ 100 ], due to the limited focus on CAMH in pre-service education programs and the lack of ongoing professional development opportunities [ 2 , 18 ]. To promote CAMH services and enhance practices and competence, comprehensive training programs that address assessment, management, and referral processes are necessary [ 24 , 75 , 101 , 102 ].…”

Path of Physical Exercise’s Impact on Deviant Behavior Among Chinese Adolescents

“…63 Conversely, positive mental health can reduce teenage inclusion in ADHD, school refusal, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disorders, bullying and other deviant behaviors. 64 Studies have shown that higher motivation to participate in physical activity is associated with higher scores on positive mental health indicators and lower scores on indicators of mental health problems, 65 and that eight weeks of physical activity can significantly improve adolescent mental health. 66 According to the World Health Organization, adolescents need 1 h of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day to promote their physical and mental health.…”

Narratives of heritage and legacy: Child and adolescent mental health trainees portrayed

“…They belong to a field that values mentorship (39) more than most-perhaps because mentorship can be conceptualized as development occurring across generations, rather than within individuals. Mentorship initiatives in child and adolescent psychiatry have interconnected not just generations, but medical students across the United States (40), and young scholars around the globe (41,42).…”