Title: Assessing mental health in vulnerable adolescents : Nursing2021
Headings: Assessing mental health in vulnerable adolescents
Assessing mental health in vulnerable adolescents
Farley, Holly R. EdD, RN
Background
Common mental health disorders in adolescents
Assessing vulnerable populations
Social factors
Assessment strategies
When to seek further evaluation
Intervention
Suicide prevention
Be the change!
Mental health resources
REFERENCES

Content: In addition, adolescents can be particularly vulnerable due to risk factors that can contribute to stress during adolescence, such as a desire for greater autonomy, pressure to conform with peers, exploration of sexual identity, and increased access to and use of technology. 9 The higher the number of risk factors, the greater the potential for mental illness. 9
Adolescent mental well-being is multidimensional and is influenced by a shift in adolescent risks and behaviors during the 21st century. Traditional threats to mental health such as low socioeconomic status, poor living conditions, substance abuse, early sexual activity, and bullying are further compounded by contemporary risks such as little social support from parents, peers, or teachers; social media use; and cyberbullying. 1 Without sufficient emotional and economic support, adolescents may be overwhelmed with feelings of helplessness, insecurity, and stress. 8
Successful treatments exist for adolescents with mental illness; however, screening among this age group is low. A 2018 study of privately insured adolescents showed that those receiving routine wellness checks were not being screened for depressive disorder, which is a common issue in this age group.