Saúde mental em crianças e adolescentes institucionalizados

Abstract

This article presents a review of the literature about mental health issues of institutionalized children and adolescents, aiming to identify their psychological characteristics and emotional demands. The studies in the field indicated that institutionalized children and adolescents present greater depression and school related problems, besides presenting self image distortions, which increase the risk of drug and alcohol involvement. On the other hand, some studies recognize the social and affective role that institutionalized care exerts in the life of these children, which frequently encounter in the institution organized and structured environments. This way, it is understood that the option for institutionalization might be a protective measure that offer to children and adolescents the possibility of reorganization, restructuration and building of new bonds, provided that adequate affective and attention experiences are provided.