depression screening

Diagnosis and management of depression in adolescents

Author/s: 
Daphne J Korczak, Clara Westwell-Roper, Roberto Sassi

KEY POINTS
Depression is common among adolescents in Canada and has the potential to negatively affect long-term function and quality of life; despite this, in most affected adolescents depression remains undetected and untreated.

Management requires a multimodal approach, including risk assessment, psychoeducation, psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic treatment, and interventions to address contributing factors.

Support from child and adolescent psychiatrists may be required in the case of diagnostic uncertainty and complex presentations, as well as for patients who do not respond to first-line treatments.

Screening for Depression and Suicide Risk in Children and Adolescents

Author/s: 
Jin, Jill

Depression is a leading cause of disability in the US. Children and adolescents with depression typically have functional impairments in their performance at school or work as well as in their interactions with their families and peers. Depression can also negatively affect the developmental trajectories of affected youth. Major depressive disorder (MDD) in children and adolescents is strongly associated with recurrent depression in adulthood; other mental disorders; and increased risk for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide completion. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 19 years. Psychiatric disorders and previous suicide attempts increase suicide risk.

Subscribe to depression screening