Citation

Gledhill J, Garralda ME. Soc. Psychiatry Psychiatr. Epidemiol. 2013; 48(5): 735-744.

Affiliation

The Academic Unit of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Imperial Collage London (St Mary's Campus), Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PGUK, UK, j.gledhill@imperial.ac.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00127-012-0572-z

PMID

22983663

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The nature of adolescent sub-syndromal depression has not been investigated in primary care. AIMS: To document frequency, characteristics and 6 month outcome of sub-syndromal depression amongst adolescent primary care attenders. METHOD: Primary care attenders (13-18 years) completed depression screening questionnaires (Mood and Feelings Questionnaires) at consultation and at 6 month follow-up. Those screening positive were interviewed with the K-SADS. Sub-syndromal depression was defined as high levels of depressive symptoms in the absence of depressive disorder. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy four questionnaires were completed at consultation: the estimated rate of sub-syndromal depression was 25 %. These young people were clinically intermediary between those without depressive symptoms and those with depressive disorder; at 6-months follow-up 57 % had persistent depressive symptoms and 12 % had developed a depressive disorder. Negative life events during the follow-up period and a positive family history of depression were the strongest predictors of symptom persistence and the development of depressive disorder, respectively. CONCLUSION: Sub-syndromal depression is common and persistent, in adolescent primary care attenders and it deserves attention.

Language: en