Week 11: Prevention & Community Intervention

Question 1

What is a prevention?

Answer 1

interventions that aim to decrease the risk of disorders, diseases, or social problems

Question 2

Why is prevention important for mental health?

Answer 2

• treatment has not decreased the prevalence of mental disorders
• at least 1/5 of the burden of mental health conditions is preventable
• small improvements at the population = large impact
• a positive return on investment

Question 3

What are the three levels of prevention?

Answer 3

• tertiary prevention (indicated)
• secondary prevention (selective)
• primary prevention (universal)

Question 4

What is tertiary prevention?

Answer 4

• directed at those with established disorders
• intended to minimize negative effects and improve functioning

Question 5

What is secondary prevention?

Answer 5

• directed at those at elevated risk or showing early symptoms
• intended to prevent the development of more serious dysfunction/illness

Question 6

What is primary prevention?

Answer 6

• directed at nonclinical populations
• intended to prevent the onset of disorder or conditions from occurring in the first place

Question 7

What makes risk and protective factors good candidates for primary prevention?

Answer 7

it focuses on risk and protective factors that:
- can be readily changed with intervention
- are prevalent
- have strong association with a conditions