This article is the second part of a two-part series on mental health in school-age children. The focus of this article is on mental health assessment in the school setting, including the use of screening tools, with a review of common medications prescribed for youth with anxiety and depression. Students with mental health conditions frequently seek refuge in the school health office, many times for psychosomatic complaints such as stomach ache, headache, nausea, and fatigue. School nurses need to be adept to assess mental health and intervene as necessary.

School nurses manage children with mental health problems on a routine basis. However, many school nurses report having had limited to no training in assessment, recognizing signs and symptoms, or therapeutic interventions for mental health problems in children in their educational programs. This article is Part 1 of a two-part series. Part 1 will provide a background of common mental health conditions, common symptoms, underlying complaints, along with helpful resources for multiple audiences. Part 2 will continue with a focus on mental health assessment in the school setting, including the use of screening tools with a review of the most common medications prescribed for youth with anxiety and depression.