Psychological Disorders among Youths and Medical Social Work Practice in Rivers State

This study examines psychological disorders among youths and medical social work practice in Rivers State, Nigeria. The increasing prevalence of mental health challenges among young people, coupled with limited psychosocial support systems, necessitated an investigation into how medical social work interventions contribute to the management and recovery of affected youths. Two research questions and two objectives of the study were raised to guide the study. System theory was adopted to explain the study. The study adopted a qualitative research design. The sample size for the study is 30 respondents who were purposively selected from UPTH and BMH, utilizing semi-structured interviews with medical social workers and youths receiving mental health services in selected healthcare facilities in Rivers State. Data were analyzed using thematic method of data analysis. Findings revealed that medical social work interventions, particularly advocacy, counselling, and follow-up care, play significant roles in improving emotional stability, treatment adherence, coping skills, and social reintegration among youths with psychological disorders. Advocacy facilitated access to resources and reduced financial barriers, counselling enhanced emotional regulation and resilience, while follow-up care ensured continuity of treatment and relapse prevention. However, the effectiveness of these interventions was constrained by shortage of trained professionals, stigma associated with mental illness, inadequate funding, and institutional limitations. The study concludes that while medical social work practice is essential in managing psychological disorders among youths in Rivers State, systemic improvements in workforce development, funding, policy support, and stigma reduction are necessary to enhance service delivery and mental health outcomes.