Overview
This lecture covers the three levels of prevention—primary, secondary, and tertiary—for mental health disorders, including their definitions, goals, and key examples.
Primary Prevention of Mental Health Disorders
- Primary prevention aims to stop mental health disorders before they occur.
- It works by reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors in the community.
- Examples include youth groups, clubs, and parenting education to prevent substance abuse.
Secondary Prevention of Mental Health Disorders
- Secondary prevention focuses on the early detection and prompt intervention of mental health disorders.
- Key intervention is screening for depression and suicide risk.
- Additional examples are suicide hotlines and crisis centers.
- The goal is to identify and treat disorders early, not prevent initial occurrence.
Tertiary Prevention of Mental Health Disorders
- Tertiary prevention addresses recovery and complication prevention after a mental health disorder or crisis has occurred.
- Examples include outpatient support following hospitalization, pharmacological therapy, and support groups for loved ones.
- Focus is on promoting recovery and preventing long-term issues.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Primary Prevention — Prevents the initial occurrence of mental health disorders by targeting risk and protective factors.
- Secondary Prevention — Emphasizes early detection and timely intervention via screening and crisis resources.
- Tertiary Prevention — Involves supporting recovery and preventing complications after a disorder or crisis has happened.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and memorize the three levels of prevention for upcoming nursing school classes.
- Prepare for the next lecture on mental health therapies.