Psychische klachten bij kinderen in de huisartspraktijk

Background
Mental health problems are a major causes of burden of disease in children, and they have a negative effects on the development of children. Many children with mental problems are diagnosed and managed in primary care. However, the recognition and management of mental health problems of children remain a challenge for many general practitioners. As a result, mental health problems in children and adolescents may be underestimated and misunderstood in general practice.
More insights in disease frequency and the type of management of mental health problems in primary care are assumed to contribute to improve the recognition and management of these mental health problems within general practice.

Methods
The frequency and management of mental health problems among all children (0-18 years) registered in Rijnmond Gezond Database (2012-2018) will be investigated.
Additional methodological approaches (e.g. interview studies) will be used in order to deepen our understanding of the management of mental health problems in children and adolescents within primary care.

We investigate how mental health problems are currently managed by general practitioners and which problems or hurdles in managing pediatric mental health problems occur in primary care. We also investigate comorbidities, associated problems, and possible risk factors of mental health problems in children and adolescents. Particularly the role of the mental health practice nurse in general practice will be investigated as well as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic measures. These insights will help general practitioners with the early recognition and management of mental health problems in children.