Citation

Zsamboky M, Haskell B, Vick R, Schroer M. J. Nurse Pract. 2021; 17(1): 54-59.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.08.019

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health illnesses often diagnosed during the child and adolescent years. Patients presenting with depression and/or anxiety symptoms typically initially present to a primary care provider (PCP). PCPs need to be able to identify symptoms, which can be aided by a screening tool. First-line treatment is psychotherapy followed by a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for those diagnosed with depression or anxiety. PCPs should refer child and adolescent patients to a psychiatric specialist who have 8 weeks of no symptom improvement, severe symptoms, suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, or suspected bipolar disorder. © 2020 Elsevier Inc.

Language: en

Keywords

mental health; suicide; adolescence; self-harm; depression; anxiety; primary care