PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND POSSIBLE INTERVENTION TO MENTAL ILLNESS AMONG YOUTHS IN OGUN STATE

Mental health problems can have a great influence on the quality of life of an individual and their overall well-being. Psychopathology of mental illness covers multiple dimensions, comprising the categorization and identification of disorders, evaluation of symptoms, and comprehension of the psychological and biological mechanisms involved. Based on this premise, this study investigated the psychopathology and possible intervention to mental illness among youths in Ogun State, Nigeria. The research, involving 242 nurses from selected hospitals, revealed key demographic information, with a majority being female (85%) and the highest age group being 31-40 years old (37. 3%).The study highlighted psychopathological causes, with head injuries, neurological conditions, and alcohol abuse identified as major contributors to mental illness. Symptoms of mental illness among youths in Ogun State were emphasized, with a consensus (x=3.20) on early signs including decline in personal care and extreme mood changes. The study proposed intervention plans, with a focus on financial support from health-related organizations and the implementation of effective laws against substance abuse. Respondents strongly agreed (x=3.56) that challenges in developing intervention plans stemmed from a lack of funds for proper training and an insufficient mental health work force. In conclusion, findings from the study revealed that there should be collaborative efforts among stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to mental health care in Ogun State.