Mind Your PHQ-9: Screening and Treating Depression in Adolescents
ABSTRACT SUMMARY
This presentation will discuss the procedure for screening for depression in the adolescent population presenting to our school-based health clinics. By doing this, we will discuss the epidemiology of depression and the use of the PHQ-9 screening tool for depression. We will also discuss the referral and treatment process for any adolescents who screen positive for depression.
ABSTRACT DESCRIPTION
Studies show that 7 million school-aged children suffer from a mental illness. Of these students, only 6.5% seek mental health treatment. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the United States among adolescents, and according to national surveys of high school students, 60% of respondents have had suicidal ideation while 30% have attempted suicide. It is widely accepted among educational and medical professionals that depression negatively effects school performance and attendance. As such a prevalent issue among adolescents it is crucial to identify and treat those affected.
Primary care providers are often uncomfortable treating adolescents with depressive symptoms, self-injurious behavior, and suicidality. The PHQ-9 is a widely used depression screening tool used by medical providers across the nation. Through the Depression Collaborative partnership between Denver Public Schools and Denver Health Medical Center, medical providers in school-based health clinics provide this screening tool to all students seeking medical care. This screening process ensures that adolescents are identified and receive appropriate referrals. Using the PHQ-9 Screening Tool and the referral process that follows establishes treatment that might not otherwise be sought out by at-risk youth.
When a student screens positive for depression, they are referred for appropriate treatment interventions. PHQ-9’s are re-administered on a regular basis to observe for a measurable change in depressive symptomatology and to assess the response to treatment. Common interventions include medication management, therapy, enhancing family supports or other evidence-based treatments, many of which are provided directly at the school-based health clinics. This practice ensures that students can access the appropriate level of mental health and medical interventions, thus improving mood and overall school performance.
PRESENTER(S)
NAME: Kristie Ladegard MD ORGANIZATION: Denver Health and Hospital Authority NAME: Scot McKay MD ORGANIZATION: Denver Health NAME: Heather Showman MSW ORGANIZATION: Denver Health
AUDIENCE
ADMINISTRATORS: Y
PRIMARY HEALTH: Y
MENTALHEALTH: N
ORGANIZATIONAL: N
PUBLIC HEALTH: Y
EDUCATION: N
YOUTH: N
Technical
issues should be directed to Deirdre Taylor via email: dtaylor@sbh4all.org
or Telephone: (202) 638-5872, ext. 204
