Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Using Brain Activation nir-HEG/Q-EEG and Execution Measures CPTs in a ADHD Assessment Protocol
Published on: April 1, 2018
Mental health assessment as part of European pediatric primary care: potential instruments and implementation
Hannah Schmidt1, Deborah Falke2, Silke Pawils3
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck, Germany. hannah.schmidt@uksh.de.
Insights
Pediatricians can use standardized tools like the SDQ, PSC/PSC-17, and ASQ:SE for early identification of child mental health issues in primary care. These assessments aid timely referrals but should supplement clinical judgment.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Primary Care Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Child mental health problems are a growing public health concern in Europe.
- Pediatric primary care is crucial for early identification due to established pediatrician-family relationships.
- Limited consultation times necessitate feasible and structured identification procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify standardized mental health assessment instruments suitable for pediatric primary care.
- To evaluate these instruments based on psychometric quality and clinical utility.
- To discuss implementation considerations for these assessments in primary care settings.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review was conducted using a structured search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases.
- Peer-reviewed studies published since 2013 focusing on standardized mental health assessments in pediatric primary care were included.
- Identified instruments were assessed for psychometric properties and clinical usefulness.
Main Results:
- Five instruments were identified: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), PSC-17, Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE), and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).
- All instruments demonstrated adequate psychometric properties.
- The SDQ, PSC/PSC-17, and ASQ:SE were deemed feasible for routine pediatric primary care, while the CBCL was considered less suitable due to length and scoring complexity.
Conclusions:
- Standardized instruments can enhance early identification of child mental health issues in primary care, facilitating prompt referrals.
- These tools should complement, not replace, comprehensive clinical assessments.
- Successful implementation hinges on adequate training, clear referral pathways, and accessible follow-up mental health services.
Abstract:
In Europe, mental health problems among children represent an increasing public health concern. Longstanding, trust-based relationships between pediatricians and families place pediatric primary care in a key position for early identification. Given the limited consultation time, feasible and structured procedures for early identification are needed. This narrative review identifies standardized mental health assessment instruments for pediatric primary care and discusses considerations for their implementation. A structured search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted in August 2024. Peer-reviewed studies published since 2013 that examined standardized mental health assessments in pediatric primary care were included. Instruments were evaluated with regard to psychometric quality and clinical usefulness. Five instruments were identified: the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), its short form PSC-17, the Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). All showed adequate psychometric properties. The SDQ, PSC/PSC-17, and ASQ:SE were considered feasible for routine care. The CBCL, despite strong psychometric properties, appeared less suitable due to its length and scoring complexity.
Conclusion:
Standardized mental health assessment instruments may support early identification of mental health problems in primary care and facilitate timely referral to treatment. Nonetheless, they should complement rather than replace comprehensive clinical assessment. Successful implementation requires appropriate training, structured referral pathways, and sufficient access to follow-up mental health services.
What Is Known:
• Pediatricians play a central role in early identification of mental health problems among children. There is currently no consensus on which standardized assessments are suitable for pediatric primary care.
What Is New:
• This narrative review identifies assessments relevant to pediatric primary care and highlights ethical and structural considerations, with particular emphasis on the responsibility to ensure appropriate follow-up care.
More Related Videos
05:48The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
10:02Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
Published on: March 12, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:29Nursing Assessment
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments...
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...