[Borderline mental disorders in schoolchildren].

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Developmental Psychology
• School Mental Health

Context:

• Secondary general education schools are critical environments for identifying early signs of mental health challenges in young people.
• Prevalence of psychosomatic syndromes and mental health issues in adolescents requires thorough investigation within school settings.

Purpose:

• To determine the frequency of borderline mental disorders among schoolchildren aged 12-17.
• To analyze gender and age-specific differences in the manifestation of mental health conditions.
• To explore associations between mental health issues and psychosomatic symptoms.

Summary:

• A study of 1013 adolescents (12-17 years) utilized screening questionnaires and clinical examinations.
• Generalized anxiety and depression were more prevalent in girls, while conduct disturbances were more common in boys.
• Depression syndrome was significantly higher in older adolescents and associated with chronic headaches, abdominal pain, and back pain, particularly in girls.

Impact:

• Findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions in schools, considering gender and age differences.
• Early identification of communication problems and conduct disturbances can inform preventative strategies.
• Understanding the link between depression and physical symptoms can improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment approaches for adolescents.