ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES IN YOUTH WITH SOCIALLY COMPLEX NEEDS

Abstract

Purpose: To develop evidence-based recommendations for nurses and pediatricians regarding adverse childhood experience (ACE) screening in children and implementation of yoga as an alternative intervention for improving mental health in affected children. Background: ACEs are prevalent, and increase a child’s risk for toxic stress, impulsive behavior, and poor coping mechanisms. Yoga is effective for improving mental health in adults and is becoming increasingly studied in the youth population. Benefits discussed in the literature include kinesthetic awareness, increased appreciation for the body, and effective relaxation tools. Approach to practice: The best practice recommendations are based on a literature review conducted through searching on PubMed, PsycINFO, Psychiatry Online, and Psychology Collection with the following keywords: yoga, depression, ACE, anxiety, and adolescents. Articles reviewed in this search were published from 2012 to 2022. Outcomes: The proposed best practice recommendations are for professionals to reference when screening for ACEs and determining eligibility for a yoga intervention. Conclusions: As more research on yoga in this population is compiled and published, the recommendations for screening and referral will become increasingly specific and standardized. Once this occurs, medical professionals can feel confident in screening for ACEs, identifying candidates for yoga, and determining an effective regimen.