Common Mental Disorders Depression - New Zealand Doctor

Appendix E:
Management of common mental disorders
other than depression in young people
The scope of this guideline does not extend to a full evidence review on the
management of common mental disorders other than depression, but the following
resources may be helpful for practitioners who identify or suspect that young people
have common mental disorders other than depression.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Young people with suspected attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should be
referred to a specialist for assessment and, if necessary, pharmacological treatment.
Primary care practitioners may be comfortable to undertake ongoing prescribing and
physical monitoring in liaison with the specialist and to coordinate the numerous other
practitioners who may be involved in management. 205
Parents and teachers can be advised that the following strategies may be useful: 188
At home (parents)
• Use simple commands
• Set defined limits and expectations
• Praise and reinforce desired behaviours (rewards)
• Establish a formal structure for time schedules
• Use lists and calendars to help prevent forgetfulness
• Break long tasks into shorter ones
At school (teachers)
• Ensure that the young person sits close to the teacher’s desk (away from distractions)
• Give only one task at a time (with assignments as short as possible)
• Use written not just oral instructions for homework (in notebook to be taken home)
• Do a daily or weekly report
• Allow more time for examinations (including untimed tests)
• Ensure the young person can rely on a neighbouring student
• Ask for the help of a trained specialist tutor
A guideline for managing ADHD can be accessed online: ‘New Zealand Guidelines
for the Assessment and Treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder’ 576 at:
http://www.moh.govt.nz/publication, search by title.
Identification of Common Mental Disorders and Management of Depression in Primary Care 139