Perspectives and challenges of mental health care for adolescents with restricted freedom: Impacts of psychoactive substances

Abstract

This study investigated 27 male adolescents in socio-educational care at the Belford Roxo Intensive Care Center. It is a descriptive exploratory study with a qualitative approach and a case study methodological proposal. To obtain data, questionnaires were applied that consisted of obtaining answers about i) sociodemographic data, ii) screening for involvement with smoking, alcohol and other drugs, iii) Beck Depression Inventory and iv) Beck suicidal ideation. The group studied was composed of 16.48 years old as a mean; 92.6% were brown or black; 70.37% had attended between the 5th grade of Elementary School I and the 9th grade of Elementary School II; 44.44% consumed alcoholic beverages daily; 40.74% presented depressive symptoms; 25.92% had a history of suicidal ideation, and 11.11% had already attempted suicide. Those surveyed with substance use problems face a high simultaneous risk of mental health problems, an aggravating factor that can result in a more difficult life situation with diffuse social problems, a precarious health status, and a prediction of general adversity. Thus, the situation of these adolescents, who are a sample of the peripheral underworld of cities, is alarming, indicating the urgency of public health and state actions.