School problems in adolescents: A multidisciplinary approach

School problems in the adolescent population represent a wide range of achievement and psychosocial dysfunctions. They often have complex multifactorial etiology and manifestations. This article reviews the current: literature and describes a multidisciplinary, biopsychosocial, practical clinical approach to school problems. It provides the primary care physician with an organized guide to the evaluation and management of school problems, which should include a comprehensive history and physical examination, selected laboratory work-up, review of relevant records and specific testing. The emphasis is on maintaining the primary care physician as the coordinator of the evaluation, treatment and monitoring process, selecting appropriate testing and referrals, and avoiding over utilization of resources. A multidisciplinary approach that includes active involvement of the family and the patient is essential for a positive outcome. These suggested guidelines are the product of a series of interdisciplinary meetings of clinicians with experience dealing with children and adolescents with school problems.