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NCLEX · General

What is 'secondary prevention' in mental health care?

Correct answer

Early detection and intervention — identifying mental health conditions at their earliest stage through screening and initiating treatment before the condition becomes severe or chronic

  1. A Preventing mental illness from occurring through societal changes
  2. B Early detection and intervention — identifying mental health conditions at their earliest stage through screening and initiating treatment before the condition becomes severe or chronic
  3. C Rehabilitation and restoration of function for individuals with established mental illness
  4. D Only applicable to substance use disorders

Why this is the answer

LEVELS OF PREVENTION IN HEALTH: PRIMARY: Prevent the condition from occurring — reducing risk factors, health promotion activities (smoking cessation, stress management, social connectedness); SECONDARY: Early detection and prompt treatment — screening tools (PHQ-9 for depression, CAGE for alcohol use, Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale), identifying at-risk individuals before full criteria are met, initiating treatment early to prevent worsening; TERTIARY: Managing established disease to minimize disability and restore function — mental health rehabilitation, supported employment, community mental health services for those with chronic serious mental illness. SECONDARY PREVENTION EXAMPLES: Universal depression screening at primary care visits; school-based mental health screening programs; screening high-risk groups (postpartum women, chronic pain patients, cancer patients); early cognitive intervention programs for at-risk youth.
Source: NCLEX-RN Test Plan: Health Promotion — Prevention Levels, Mental Health

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