What is the aim of tertiary prevention?

The aim of tertiary prevention is to reduce the duration and consequences of existing disorders. This type of prevention focuses on helping individuals who are already experiencing a mental health issue or disorder. It involves interventions that aim to prevent further deterioration of the individual's condition, improve quality of life, and promote recovery. This may include rehabilitation programs, ongoing therapy, and support services that help individuals manage their symptoms, reduce the likelihood of relapse, and reintegrate into their daily lives.

In contrast, eradicating mental disorders entirely is more aligned with primary prevention, which seeks to prevent disorders before they occur. Focusing solely on preventative measures, as indicated in another option, aligns more closely with primary levels of prevention or secondary prevention, which focuses on early detection and intervention but doesn't address the ongoing needs of those already affected. Lastly, encouraging self-diagnosis is not a practice that aligns with professional and clinical standards in psychology and may lead to misdiagnosis or unwarranted concern about mental health conditions.