Multidisciplinarni pristup u tretmanu zaštite mentalnog zdravlja djece i adolescenata
Multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of mental health protection of children and adolescents

Author(s): Vesna Huremović, Gazmend Ljutfiu
Subject(s): Psychology, Sociology, Social psychology and group interaction, Neuropsychology, Clinical psychology, Health and medicine and law, Welfare services
Published by: Fakultet političkih nauka - Univerzitet u Sarajevu
Keywords: multidisciplinary approach; mental health of children and adolescents; social work in healthcare;
Summary/Abstract: The challenges of improving multidisciplinary cooperation are a significant prerequisite for successful action in the area of mental health protection for children and adolescents. Multidisciplinarity means that, to a certain extent, the competences and responsibilities of different institutions are shared when dealing with children and adolescents with impaired mental health. If all members of the multidisciplinary team adequately use the expertise they possess, the needs of children and adolescents with impaired mental health will be met, and they will additionally influence the improvement of the quality of life of children and adolescents. With a multidisciplinary approach in treatment, we jointly provide an understanding of the mentioned population with the responsibility of all participants who work with children. Cooperation is necessary during the application of a multidisciplinary approach, but it is also complex because it includes different management policies and actions within institutions, procedures, support and time that is necessary in working with children and adolescents. Professionals who work with children with impaired mental health in the healthcare system are neuropsychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses. Due to their wide range of knowledge and experience, social workers can improve the practices of providing support, prevention and improving the mental health of children and adolescents who, due to various circumstances, are hospitalized or appear for preventive examinations in the outpatient clinic for child and adolescent psychiatry. The aim of this paper is to show the role of a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of children and adolescents during their stay in the health care system, to give an insight into the difficulties that experts face during their work (Centers for Social Work, Centers for Mental Health, Non-Governmental Organizations, competent Ministries) and the resources that experts recognize as the most important in working with children and adolescents with impaired mental health. The increased risk for the development of mental health problems in children and adolescents indicates the need for additional research and development of multidisciplinary services for this population. The role of the competent neuropsychiatrist and social worker in the health care system for the mental health of children and adolescents is reflected primarily in the networking of institutions that work together to improve the living conditions of children and adolescents, then the promotion of mental health, the prevention of mental disorders, the provision of support during the recovery process and the social inclusion of persons with mental health difficulties in the local community, and the elimination of discrimination and stigmatization of children and adolescents with mental health difficulties.

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