MENTAL HEALTH AND THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION IN THE CONTEXT OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the relationship between the main psychiatric conditions in children and primary health care. An integrative literature review was conducted using the Virtual Health Library and National Integrative Medicine databases, covering the period from 2020 to 2026. The following Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) and their combinations in Portuguese and English were used: “saúde mental” AND “crianças” AND “adolescentes” AND “atenção primária”. Based on eligibility criteria, the sample included 12 publications. The pandemic period is highlighted as a contributing factor to the growing psychiatric demand among children. An increase in rates is observed compared to other age groups. This factor impacts care in primary health care units. There is a lack of available evidence on the relationship between mental health in children and adolescents in the specific context of primary care and family and community medicine. This absence emphasizes the need for well-conducted clinical trials to better address this issue.