Adolescent Depression: Pediatric Mental Health Minute Series

Adolescent depression is a common mental health problem characterized by irritable or sad mood that causes significant problems at home, school, and in relationships.

Scope in Pediatrics

• Adolescents with depression often experience irritability or sadness; changes in their energy, sleep, appetite, and concentration; social withdrawal; feeling of hopelessness; and suicidal thoughts 
• More than 1 out of 10 adolescents (11.3%) in the US suffer from depression  
  1 out of 6 US high school students have seriously considered suicide 
• Yet, only a minority of teens with depression receive adequate screening and treatment 

Teaching Points

• Brief screening tools, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Item modified for teens, can be used to identify adolescents at risk for depression or suicide 

• Adolescents with depression +/- anxiety, but without suicidal intent, recent suicide attempt, a history of trauma, or a family history of bipolar can be treated in the primary care setting 
• Combination treatment with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are most effective for moderate severity depression