Depression Screening for Teens
A Medical Task Force Advises Doctors to Screen Teens for Depression
Apr 5, 2009
Typical teenager angst may not be so typical after all. An estimated two million teenagers are affected by depression which can lead to poor school performance, social isolation and even suicide.
Recently, a government-appointed advisory panel recommended all teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 get routinely screened for the debilitating condition known as depression.
Depression Questionnaire for Teens
In its recommendation, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of experts, goes beyond the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, which suggests primary care physicians ask teens questions regarding depression. Instead it suggests that primary care physicians give all teenagers a detailed questionnaire once a year about depression, even if symptoms are not present.
The panel said in a Associated Press article, "Panel Advises Depression Screening For U.S. Teens," (Lindsey Tanner, March 30, 2009) that it is critical to treat depression early so it doesn't lead to serious problems including suicide. Primary care physicians have the ability to act as a first line of defense to diagnose and treat a teen's depression in its early stages.
Symptoms of Depression in Teenagers
According to Psychology Information website, the signs of depression include, but are not limited to:
- Feeling sad or crying often that doesn't go away
- Feeling life is meaningless
- No longer enjoy activities
- Get irritated often
- Sleep and eating patterns change
- Frequent thoughts of death or committing suicide
Treatment for a Depressed Teen
Once diagnosed, medication may be offered to treat depression in teenage patients.
The panel, however, does not advocate the use of antidepressants, which have been linked to an increase in suicidal thoughts in adolescents, as the sole solution. Rather, they stressed the importance of psychotherapy used in combination with medication as a treatment for young patients with depression.
Primary Care Physicians Equipped to Handle Depression Cases
A report from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) on March 31, 2009 titled, "AACAP and AAP Advocate Removal of Financial Barriers to Children's Mental Health Services," indicates that primary care physicians are adequately prepared to handle depression treatment for teens.
As AACAP President Robert Hendren, D.O. says in the report, “Primary care physicians have unique strengths, skills, and opportunities to identify and address the vast unmet mental health needs of children and adolescents.”
Compensation From Insurance Companies
According to the AAP, insurance companies often don't pay or under-pay pediatricians when they address a mental health concern in a patient.
Recently-passed legislation requires that insurance companies provide equal coverage for mental health problems as it does for physical problems. This applies to insurance companies that offer coverage for both physical and mental health issues.
Both the AACAP and the AAP advocate for insurance companies to back-up this recommendation by paying primary care physicians adequately for both the consultation and treatment of mental health issues in children.
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