IDENTIFICATION OF DEPRESSED ADOLESCENTS: DEPRESSION SCREENING EDUCATION FOR SCHOOL NURSES

One third of American teenagers suffer from depression. However, less than half of them receive the treatment they need. Untreated depression is often associated with absenteeism, poor academic performance, behavioral, and social problems. It can also increase risk of violence, alcohol or drug abuse, and even suicide. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force both recommend routine screening of adolescents for depression. However, screening rates in ambulatory settings are very low. School nurses, often the first health care professionals to encounter these young people, are well-positioned to recognize depression and make referrals to medical and mental health providers for proper diagnosis, referral, and treatment. Despite their access to teens, many school nurses do not feel confident addressing depression and are not comfortable in using a standardized screening tool. Using the PRECEDE framework for health program planning, barriers preventing school nurses from depression screening were identified. To remove some of these barriers, an education module was developed to provide training for school nurses on adolescent depression and screening. This education module is easily accessible online. It consists of a video presentation on adolescent depression, the PHQ-9 screening tool, and a case study. It also provides links to online resources and the PHQ-9 screening and referral forms. It is anticipated that after completion of the training, school nurses will have increased knowledge and confidence in identification and referral of the students at risk