Special Issue on Mental Health and Well-Being in Adolescence: Environment and Behavior

Psychological problems in children and adolescent populations range from 10% to 20%. Moreover, up to 75% of mental disorders seem to start before the age of 24 and the prodromic characteristics may have an earlier onset with a worse prognosis. Furthermore, these symptoms may lead to more severe problems and mental health disorders with age. For example, it is well known that depressed youngsters are at a higher risk of developing depression during adulthood, and that disruptive children and teenagers are more likely to have antisocial behavior as adults. Therefore, and taking into account the short- and long-term consequences associated with psychological disorders, new efforts and resources are being devoted, with the aim of detecting and incorporating early prevention strategies and interventions.