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In adolescents aged 10-19 years, how does the early use of depression screening tools within primary clinic settings, compared to current standard screening tools, affect early detection of depression within 3-6 months?

According to Davis et al, 2022, most individuals show early signs of mental health disorders, including depression before the age of 24. Davis also goes on to state that nurse practitioners are ideal to help fill the gap of healthcare providers, reduce current barriers and they help to create and maintain positive relationships with patients and their families. Nurse practitioners can provide a holistic approach to care and help improve the odds of adolescents with mental health disorders. Unfortunately, adolescents with depression currently go undiagnosed and untreated. This has aided in the increase of suicide in this age group as well. It has been reported that the average time between the first recognized symptom of mental health to intervention is approximately 11 years. With early screening specifically geared towards mental health disorders, with a focus on depression, early detection can improve the chances of the nurse practitioner engaging in open and honest dialogue with the adolescent and coming up with a treatment plan that doesn’t necessarily require medications to start, if at all. Nurse practitioners can also conduct routine mental health activities and routine screening in the community for educational purposes for what signs to look for (to ensure early detection and interventions)

Reference:

Davis, Leslie L et al. (2022). Depression Screening in Adolescents: Implications for Primary Care Nurse Practitioners. The Journal of Nurse Practitioners, Volume 18, Issue 3, 259-264.

http://www.npjournal.org/article/S1555-4155(21)00534-1fulltextLinks to an external site.