Pediatric Criteria on Children's Mental Health. Early Medical Identification of Anxiety and Depression Disorders In Children In Brazil

Child mental health is recognized as essential for integral development, influencing children’s emotional, academic and social well-being. The increase in the prevalence of disorders such as anxiety and depression in childhood has stimulated research into specific pediatric criteria for early diagnosis, allowing for assertive interventions that can modify the clinical course of these conditions. Thus, standardized and culturally adapted instruments prove fundamental for the detection and management of symptoms, considering the particularities of children’s emotional and behavioural development. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to carry out a systematic literature review to identify, analyze and synthesize the pediatric criteria applied to child mental health in Brazil, with an emphasis on the early identification of anxiety and depression disorders. The specific objectives were: to map the scientific literature; to evaluate the effectiveness of the screening instruments; to identify gaps and challenges in the application of the criteria in the Brazilian context; to propose guidelines for clinical practice and public policies; and to promote the integration of interdisciplinary approaches. Methodology: The systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines, searching databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO and LILACS. Controlled terms were used (e.g. “infant mental health”, “pediatric criteria”, “anxiety disorders”, “depression”, “Brazil”). The selection included original studies that addressed the early identification of disorders in children using pediatric criteria or instruments. Methodological quality was assessed using standardized tools (QUADAS-2) and the data extracted systematically, with narrative synthesis of the findings. Results: The studies analyzed show that early detection of anxiety and depression disorders can significantly improve prognosis, allowing for personalized interventions and a reduction in long-term complications. However, Brazil’s cultural diversity and socioeconomic disparities pose challenges to the standardization of diagnostic criteria, reflecting a variability in prevalence rates (10-25% for depression and 20-30% for anxiety). The integration of standardized protocols in primary care and school environments, together with the continuous training of professionals, is essential to improve the identification and management of these disorders. Conclusion: In summary, the systematic review confirms that the implementation of specific pediatric criteria and culturally adapted instruments is crucial for the early detection of mental disorders in childhood. The adoption of interdisciplinary approaches and the formulation of robust public policies are indispensable measures to mitigate the impacts of these disorders, promoting more effective interventions and contributing to the improvement of child mental health in Brazil.