ABSTRACT
Adolescence is a period in which many boys and girls suffer from emotional and behavioural problems, without these problems always posing a long-term health threat [1]. When problems are severe or persistent, however, mental health care may be indicated. Help seeking behaviour is determined by, among other things, whether or not adolescents or their parents perceive the problems as significant and in need of professional help [2]. At preadolescence, the pathway to care relies on parents’ recognition of problems [3]. As adolescents mature, the pathway becomes less certain.
Adolescents are probably better informants of their problems [4], but seem less inclined to seek professional help [5].
