Hidden in Plain Sight: The Unseen Battle of Adolescent Depression in Canada

Depression in adolescents is often undetected and untreated in Canada, with clinicians lacking confidence in their ability to care for depressed teenagers. Depression becomes more common as teenagers grow older and is linked to decreased mental and physical well-being in adulthood. Recent research suggests that around 1 in 4 youths experienced signs of despair during the COVID-19 pandemic (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Diagnosis and management of depression in adolescents

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More than 40% of People Tend to Experience Depression Before Their Adulthood

"Although more than 40% of people with depression experience onset before adulthood, depression remains undetected in many adolescents in Canada, and most are untreated," writes Dr. Daphne Korczak, a psychiatrist with the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, with coauthors. "Clinicians consistently report a lack of confidence in their ability to care for adolescents with depression." Depression is more common in teenagers as they become older, and it is connected to decreased mental and physical wellness in adulthood. despair was estimated to affect 13%-15% of teens prior to the pandemic, but new research indicated that around 1 in 4 youths experienced signs of distress during the pandemic.

The review is based on the most recent evidence and clinical practice recommendations from Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Key topics:

• Diagnosis — irritability and sad or depressed mood, fatigue, sleep disturbance, decreased enjoyment of activities and difficulty concentrating in adolescents may indicate depression
• Screening — although more research about universal screening for adolescent depression in primary care is needed, it may be appropriate in some cases. Clinicians should use a validated screening tool and recognize that screening does not replace a diagnostic assessment
• Management — a multifaceted approach is required and may include addressing health behaviors, psychotherapy, and medication, and addressing underlying stressors

More than 60% of Adolescents Suffer from Major Depressive Disorder

More than 60% of adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) also have at least one other mental health condition, such as anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorders. These can make it more challenging to diagnose and treat depression, as some symptoms overlap and physical health conditions can mimic symptoms of depression.

"Depression is an increasingly common but treatable condition among adolescents. Primary care physicians and pediatricians are well positioned to support the assessment and first-line management of depression in this group, helping patients to regain their health and function," write the authors.

They state that future research is needed to address unanswered questions, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression, whether universal screening improves outcomes, and how to personalize depression treatment best to optimize effectiveness.

Reference:

1. Diagnosis and management of depression in adolescents - (https://www.cmaj.ca/content/195/21/E739)

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Source-Eurekalert