Adolescent Major Depression and Suicidal Ideation in a Community Setting

Study Objectives: Current literature reports that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents is a serious problem frequently unrecognized and untreated. Study Methods: Participants were 2,465 adolescents who presented for a routine well care, or with physical illness accompanied by symptoms suggestive of MDD to a twenty two pediatric practices in suburban Boston from July 2003 to May 2004. Demographic characteristics were retrieved from the medical records and assessment of MDD relied upon the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Study Results: Findings indicated that the prevalence of MDD in this group was 5%; prevalence of minor depression was 10% and prevalence of suicidal ideation among the whole sample was10%. We found that concerns about appearance, health concerns and problems with family or friends were the most important stressors associated with MDD and minor depression. Family history of alcoholism and depression were both important predictors of MDD and minor depression in this group. Finally, among those adolescents with MDD, 42% had moderately severe to severe illness. Practical Implications: Our findings indicate that MDD in adolescents residing in the community is a major public health concern that needs to be addressed to detect and initiate early treatment. Moreover, levels of suicidal ideation were common among those with MDD and were associated with functional decline