New Guide Aids Early Identification and Intervention for Mental Health in Primary Care

A new quick guide is now available to help primary care teams safely assess, intervene, and refer patients experiencing 15 common mental health conditions. The resource, freely downloadable with registration, aims to facilitate faster diagnosis and treatment in the area of mental health.

Practical Guidance for Common Conditions

The guide provides practical information on warning signs, initial assessment, recommended actions, and criteria for referral to specialized services for the 15 most frequently encountered situations in Basic Health Units (UBS). These conditions span childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Conditions Covered in the Guide

The guide addresses a wide range of mental health concerns, including:

• Inattention and Hyperactivity in Children and Adolescents
• Developmental Delay and Intellectual Disability in Childhood
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Childhood
• Irritability in Childhood and Adolescence
• Depression in Childhood and Adolescence
• Anxiety in Childhood and Adolescence
• Adult Depression
• Anxiety in Adults
• Depression, Anxiety, and Signs of Severity during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
• Bipolar Mood Disorder
• Psychotic Symptoms
• Suicide Risk
• Smoking
• Problems with Alcohol
• Insomnia

Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Approaches

The guide offers guidance on pharmacological management, including specific dosages and considerations for different age groups and pregnant women. It also details non-pharmacological strategies and lifestyle habits. Clear criteria are established for referring patients to specialized services and implementing longitudinal monitoring.

Focus on Early Recognition and Intervention

“The central objective is to enable the basic network for early recognition and adequate intervention in mental health throughout life,” explain the authors. For example, in the section on Anxiety in Childhood and Adolescence, the guide highlights separation anxiety, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety, recommending gradual exposure therapy and, in some cases, fluoxetine or sertraline for children aged 6-8. Referral to a specialist is advised if treatment is unsuccessful after eight weeks, if there’s a history of abuse, or if persistent physical symptoms are present without a clear cause.

Regarding psychotic symptoms, the guide emphasizes differentiating between primary causes (like schizophrenia) and secondary causes (substances or delirium). Primary care focuses on initial identification, monitoring cardiovascular risks, and managing antipsychotic side effects. New diagnoses, pregnant women, or recurrences require referral to Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS), while stable patients can continue longitudinal monitoring at the health unit.

Collaborative Research and Innovation

The guide is a result of the Educational Intervention in Mental Health project, a partnership between the Center for Research and Innovation in Mental Health (CISM), the Centro Universitário de Jaguariúna (UniFAJ), and the Centro Universitário Max Planck (UniMAX Indaiatuba). CISM, an Applied Research Center of the São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Fapesf), conducts research and develops innovative digital technologies to promote mental health and improve treatment outcomes.

Euripedes Constantino Miguel, coordinator of CISM, highlights the center’s potential to transform mental health research in Brazil, focusing on systematic interventions with a significant real-world impact.

Accessing the Guide

The Quick guide on how to assess, intervene and refer 15 mental health situations in Primary Care can be downloaded here (registration required). A printable version is also available upon request via email: comunicacao@cism.org.br.

More information about CISM can be found on their website or Instagram.