Adolescent Depression/Suicide: How do Healthcare Providers Influence a Change?

Abstract

This paper discusses depression and suicide in adolescents and how healthcare providers can influence a change through screening and identification. Depression is a commonly diagnosed condition in primary care and is growing in prevalence. Symptoms are both behavioral and somatic, and their most serious consequence is suicide. Healthcare providers are in a strategic position to implement screening tools that provide early identification and treatment. These screening tools have been deemed effective and can assist in the identification of mild to moderate depression. The intent of this project is to write a continuing education unit article for publication to demonstrate the need to implement these screening tools in routine practice per recommended guidelines and provide education on the implementation of these tools and the process that follows.