Mental Disease

Evidence indicates that many mental disorders in adulthood originate during adolescence, with a typical onset between the ages of 14 and 18, especially for anxiety, mood, and behavioral disorders. Over the past 20 years, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents has increased globally, influenced by factors such as environmental stress, digital technologies, socioeconomic inequalities, and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately one in seven adolescents worldwide suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder, with a growing trend, especially in high-income countries. A multidimensional and multi-informant assessment, integrating the perspectives of adolescents and parents, is essential for the early detection of signs of psychological distress and the definition of targeted interventions. Main objective: To assess the mental health of adolescents (aged 11-18) using multidimensional psychometric tools to identify early signs of distress and vulnerability.

This prospective stepped-wedge study evaluates whether use of the Breathlessness diagnostics in a Box (BiaB) tool shortens the time to diagnosis in patients presenting with breathlessness, compared with usual care. The study is conducted in general practice settings in the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal. Participating sites start with a usual care period and transition sequentially to the BiaB intervention period. Data are collected during routine clinical visits, from electronic medical records, and through questionnaires completed by patients and healthcare professionals.