CMH - Reasons for referral

Question 1

What are externalising disorders?

Answer 1

Disruptive behavioural problems that are direct towards the environment and others. Primary examples include oppositional, hyperactive, aggressive and antisocial behaviours

Question 2

What are internalising disorders?

Answer 2

Emotional problems that are directed toward inner experience. Examples include anxiety, withdrawal and depression

Question 3

What are substance related disorders?

Answer 3

Impairment associated with any of a variety of substances including alcohol, illicit drugs and tobacco. These disorders can also be associated with other psychiatric disorders

Question 4

What are learning and mental disabilities?

Answer 4

A range of problems related to intellectual and academic functioning including learning disorders.

Question 5

What is severe and pervasive psychopathology?

Answer 5

These problems include disorders that are recognised to be the more severe forms of psychopathology that have pervasive influences in the areas of functioning they affect and in their long-term course e.g. schizophrenia

Question 6

What is the most common reason for referral to CAMHS?

Answer 6

Childhood disruptive behaviour difficulties, including persistent oppositional or aggressive behaviour. Account for 30%.

Question 7

Are the rates of childhood mental health problems increasing in children?

Answer 7

Show no evidence of worsening mental health symptoms - report an improvement or no change

Question 8

Are the rates of childhood mental health problems increasing in adolescence?

Answer 8

Increased symptom burden in adolescents, especially girls.

Question 9

What are the reasons the rates of mental health problems would change?

Answer 9

Changes in the family environment. Increased rates of: single parenting, family conflict, parental mental health problem, emergence of parenting styles that place a lower value on child obedience, increasing exposure to interest and increasing pressure within school.m

Question 10

Why is there an increase in internalising problems in girls?

Answer 10

More susceptible to pressure to succeed in school, appearance problems, exposed to earlier sexualisation, more socio-emotionally attentive, experiencing puberty earlier?