Mental Disease

In French Guiana, Indigenous people experience high levels of psychological distress and higher rates of suicidal behavior than the rest of the population. The Wayãpi and Teko communities living in Camopi and Trois-Sauts are particularly affected. Since 2025, Community Workers (CHWs) from these communities have been appointed to facilitate access to care, improve communication between residents and health services, and strengthen support in situations of distress. To date, no scientific evaluation has been conducted to measure the actual impact of this initiative. This research therefore aims to better understand mental health in these communities and to assess the effect of the community mediators' work. The results will help improve suicide prevention efforts and adapt public health policies to local realities. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of CHWs activities on: * suicidal behavior, * psychological distress, * alcohol use, * use of health care services, within the Wayãpi and Teko communities of Camopi and Trois-Sauts.

Evidence indicates that many mental disorders in adulthood originate during adolescence, with a typical onset between the ages of 14 and 18, especially for anxiety, mood, and behavioral disorders. Over the past 20 years, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents has increased globally, influenced by factors such as environmental stress, digital technologies, socioeconomic inequalities, and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately one in seven adolescents worldwide suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder, with a growing trend, especially in high-income countries. A multidimensional and multi-informant assessment, integrating the perspectives of adolescents and parents, is essential for the early detection of signs of psychological distress and the definition of targeted interventions. Main objective: To assess the mental health of adolescents (aged 11-18) using multidimensional psychometric tools to identify early signs of distress and vulnerability.

This prospective stepped-wedge study evaluates whether use of the Breathlessness diagnostics in a Box (BiaB) tool shortens the time to diagnosis in patients presenting with breathlessness, compared with usual care. The study is conducted in general practice settings in the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal. Participating sites start with a usual care period and transition sequentially to the BiaB intervention period. Data are collected during routine clinical visits, from electronic medical records, and through questionnaires completed by patients and healthcare professionals.