Loyola Medicine Including Depression Screenings for Adolescents in Back-to-School Physicals

MAYWOOD, IL – With 20% of adolescents having experienced a depressive episode by the age of 18, Loyola Medicine pediatricians and primary care physicians will now screen patients ages 12-18 for depression during back-to-school physicals and routine office visits.

More than 40% of adolescents with depression are not diagnosed before adulthood and it is now more common in patients of that age group than asthma and diabetes. With adolescents averaging two doctor's office visits per year, the goal at Loyola Medicine is to reach these patients earlier.

Parents will not have to request a screening as it will be an automatic part of the visit.

"Left untreated, depression can lead to many health conditions and social problems, including underachievement in school, increased risk of anxiety and eating disorders, and problems with family and peer relationships," said Garry Sigman, MD, FAAP, director of adolescent medicine at Loyola's department of pediatrics. "It's important to understand that depression is a treatable disease."

The decision to incorporate depression screenings followed new guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics and recommendations by the U.S. Preventive Taskforce.

As part of the screening, which helps identify patients who may need further assessment, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PQ-9) asks patients the frequency over the last two weeks that they have experienced changes in:

• Behavior or mood
• Sleep patterns
• Concentration
• Appetite

The questionnaire also asks the patient about whether they have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

After completing the questionnaire, patients are scored on each individual question while an overall scaled score determines whether further assessment is needed and if possible intervention is required.

Although parents do not need to request a screening, Dr. Sigman said they should look for the following signs and symptoms:

• Withdrawal from social activities
• Irritability
• Self-criticism
• Low self-esteem
• Frequent aches and pains
• Tearfulness and crying

"At Loyola, we are committed to being a partner with families in the diagnosis and treatment of depression in adolescents," Dr. Sigman said. "These visits and screenings can be instrumental in getting adolescents the care they need."