Where There Is No Child Psychiatrist

Book excerpt: Mental health problems and worries are common among infants, children and adolescents in every part of the world. This book is a practical manual for primary healthcare professionals, teachers and anyone who works with children - especially in places where specialist psychiatric care is not available. After giving the reader an overview of child mental health problems, the manual goes on to deal with the various developmental, behavioural and emotional problems that arise in as many as 10% of the youth population. For each problem it first provides a case study and then describes how to find out more about a child with this problem. It suggests what can be done to help the child and their family. It also examines the mental health aspects of childhood maltreatment and exposure to natural or man-made disasters. Covers problems that health workers and teachers in low- and middle-income countries often have to deal with. Written in simple language with many case examples and pictures. The only comprehensive book on mental healthcare in young people for those with no access to specialist medical advice. This book is intended for anyone who works with children or young people, but who does not have specialist training in mental health problems. This includes: primary care doctors and nurses, community health workers and teachers.