Citation

Erse MPQA, Simões RMP, Façanha JDN, Marques LAFA, Loureiro CREC, Matos METS, Santos JCP. Revista de Enfermagem Referencia 2016; 4(9): 37-45.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016)

DOI

10.12707/RIV15026

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adolescent depression is considered a public health issue in Portugal, despite the lack of national epidemiological data. It involves a high degree of mortality, namely by suicide, which is the third leading cause of death in the 15-24 age group.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms in a non-clinical population of adolescents.

METHODology: This is a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study, using the Portuguese version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). The sample was composed of 741 adolescents.

RESULTS: The results show that 31.2% of the adolescents have depression and, of these, 17.7% have moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Girls have higher levels of depression (p=.00). The total mean score in the BDI-II was 12.

CONCLUSION: Given the adolescents' high vulnerability to depression and suicide, it is essential to implement prevention programs in schools to promote the early detection of depression and suicidal behaviors, and the referral to mental health services. © 2016, Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra. All rights reserved.

Language: pt

Keywords

adolescents; suicide; prevention; depression