Julia Gledhill1, M Elena Garralda. 1. 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
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.
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.
Authors: Judy Garber; Gregory N Clarke; V Robin Weersing; William R Beardslee; David A Brent; Tracy R G Gladstone; Lynn L DeBar; Frances L Lynch; Eugene D'Angelo; Steven D Hollon; Wael Shamseddeen; Satish Iyengar Journal: JAMA Date: 2009-06-03 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: Joan Rosenbaum Asarnow; Lisa H Jaycox; Naihua Duan; Anne P LaBorde; Margaret M Rea; Pamela Murray; Martin Anderson; Christopher Landon; Lingqi Tang; Kenneth B Wells Journal: JAMA Date: 2005-01-19 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: Joan Rosenbaum Asarnow; Lisa H Jaycox; Naihua Duan; Anne P LaBorde; Margaret M Rea; Lingqi Tang; Martin Anderson; Pamela Murray; Christopher Landon; Beth Tang; Diana P Huizar; Kenneth B Wells Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2005-12 Impact factor: 5.012