Psychological manifestations and access to mental health services in adolescents from Gran La Plata

Abstract

This study analyzes the psychological manifestations and access to mental health services trajectories among adolescents attending public schools in Gran La Plata. A cross-sectional descriptive design was conducted with a sample of 692 students, who completed a self-administered semi-structured survey including sociodemographic and access to mental health services questions, and the Youth Self Report (YSR, Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001). The main concerns expressed by adolescents referred to interpersonal relationships, uncertainties about academic and professional futures and experiences of anxiety or overthinking. YSR results indicated that 17.2 % of participants scored within the clinical or borderline risk range, with attention problems, somatic complaints and aggressive behaviors being the most prevalent syndromes. Regarding access to mental health services, only 20 % of adolescents reported having attended consultations in the previous 12 months, predominantly in the private sector. Less than half of those identified as at risk effectively accessed mental health services. The findings highlight the need to strengthen primary care services, promote preventive interventions and recognize the diversity of adolescent psychological distress expressions from a human rights and comprehensive health perspective.