Depression is a significant problem affecting children that often goes unaddressed. The document discusses a pediatric depression screening project and provides background information on depression in children. It notes that depression affects up to 16% of children in the US and has negative consequences like poor academic performance, risky behaviors, and suicide. Risk factors include psychological, biological and environmental factors. Barriers to treatment include lack of diagnosis and screening. The document argues that addressing depression in children is important for their mental and physical development.

1. SE605 Pediatric Depression Screenings Project
SE605 Pediatric Depression Screenings ProjectSE605 Pediatric Depression Screenings
ProjectI have an IRB in nursing that needs to be done. We have already completed chapter
1, chapter 2 and chapter 3 of it and we now need to complete chapter 4. When finished,
please insert the chapter 4 in the attached word document as this IRB is a continuous
project.All the requirements for chapter 4,, and all the done work of chapter 1, 2 and 3 has
been attached in zip file. Please note chapter 4 should be approximately 15 pages
minimum.ORDER NOW FOR CUSTOMIZED, PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPERSRunning head:
PEDIATRIC DEPRESSION SCREENING 8 Chapter One: Overview of the Problem of Interest
Depression in Children Depression has become an issue of concern due to its impact on the
adult population. However, depression in children has been largely ignored, and it is only in
the past few decades that it has been taken seriously. It is more challenging to diagnose
depression in children as it is difficult to tell whether a child is undergoing a temporary
phase, or if the symptoms indicate a larger problem. Depression is an issue of global
concern, as it is the leading cause of disability for both males and females (Pennant et al.,
2015). The purpose of the paper is to highlight the impact of depression in children, and
how pediatric screening can improve detection. Background Depression is a mental
disorder characterized by depressed moods, loss of interest in activities, lack of sleep and
appetite, poor concentration, feelings of guilt, and decreased energy. Depression may also
be simply defined as having an irritable mood for at least two weeks. There are different
categories of depression involving mild, moderate, and severe. Depression may also be
categorized into major depressive disorder, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, and
medical conditions involving hypothyroidism (Bitsko et al., 2018). Generally, depression is
noticeable due to the individual’s withdrawal from social activities. SE605 Pediatric
Depression Screenings ProjectDepression affects the individual’s ability to take care of
everyday responsibilities. Depression is linked to suicide, as up to 3,000 people under the
age of 18 are said to die by suicide each year (Bardach et al., 2014). The high suicide rates in
the society are attributed to the prevalence of depression within the population. Suicide is
the leading cause of death for young people between 10 and 24 years. Sheftall et al. (2016)
estimates that for every person who 9 PEDIATRIC DEPRESSION SCREENING commits
suicide, there are 20 people who may think about or attempt to commit suicide. Therefore,
addressing depression may lower the prevailing suicide rates. In children, depression is
common in every age, and it affects 16% of the children in the United States at some time in
their lives. Depression is an imminent problem affecting young people, as up to 11% of the

2. youth in the United States are diagnosed with depression by the age of 18 (Avenevoli et al.,
2013). The high prevalence rate is an issue of concern as it demonstrates that depression is
a major issue facing young people. Consequences of Depression in Children Depression has
negative consequences on children’s health and wellbeing. The consequences of depression
include poor performance in school due to truancy, dropping out of school, and lack of
concentration (Wolk et al., 2016). If the depression is left unchecked, it compromises the
child’s future due to poor academic performance. Children may also drop out of school due
to lack of interest in their studies. Depression is linked to increased drug and alcohol abuse
cases. When children are depressed their cognitive functioning is affected, which makes
them prone to risky behaviors. Children may also engage in unsafe sexual practices as they
may not care about their health and wellbeing. Depression results in strained relationships
with peers and family due to the children’s anti-social tendencies. Depressed children may
prefer spending time by themselves as opposed to socializing with other people. Last and
most importantly, depression is linked to suicidal behavior (Patterson, DeBaryshe, &
Ramsey, 2017). Depressed children are more likely to have suicidal thoughts Risk Factors of
Depression in Children Depression in children is caused by psychological, biological, and
environmental factors. Children may become depressed due to psychological factors such as
feeling worthless and 10 PEDIATRIC DEPRESSION SCREENING inadequate. For instance, a
child’s poor performance in school may result in depression if there are negative
consequences associated with poor performance. If the child is pressurized to attain high
grades by parents, sponsors, or the school, the child may become depressed over time due
to the constant worrying over their grades. SE605 Pediatric Depression Screenings
ProjectDepression may occur as a result of biological determinants involving
neurotransmitters, neuroendocrine, and neurotropic factors. The biological factors make
some individuals more prone to depression than others. Environmental factors affecting
depression involve socioeconomic statuses, family setting, and race and ethnicity (Heslin et
al., 2016). Studies indicate that children from low-income and minority communities have a
higher likelihood of being depressed than their White counterparts from high-income
earning families (Kids Data, 2018). Therefore, depression does not only involve the
psychological factors, as it is also impacted by biological and environmental factors.
Depression has been linked to race and ethnicity factors. A study conducted by Kids Data
(2018) for years 2013 to 2015 indicated that children from different ethnicities have
varying rates of depression. In Los Angeles, children from various ethnic and racial
communities reported having depression-related feelings. Native Hawaiians had the highest
prevalence rates at 32.5%, followed closely by Latinos, who had a prevalence rate of 32%.
The data is worrying as it indicates that approximately 1 out of 3 children from Hispanic or
Native Hawaiian ethnicities could be having depression. The ethnic community with the
lowest depression prevalence rate is African Americans, and even so, 24.5%, or a quarter of
children from the ethnic community report having depressive thoughts. The statistics are
alarming as they indicate that depression among children is prevalent in the society across
all races and ethnicities. This data from the research article are not all inclusive, as often
many children suffering from depression are 11 PEDIATRIC DEPRESSION SCREENING
unreported for fear or humility this may cause. This is also a cultural bias and many

3. minority communities deny these emotions. The data is provided below. Table 1 Depression
Prevalence among children for Different Ethnic Communities in Los Angeles County
Barriers to Addressing Depression in Children Unfortunately, the majority of children
undergoing depression do not receive treatment for the mental condition, and they end up
having more serious mental health issues later in adulthood. Lack of treatment is likely due
to misdiagnosis. Parents and caregivers may be unaware that their children are undergoing
depression. Even when children are identified as having depression, their conditions are
often not be taken with enough seriousness to warrant medical treatment. Diagnosing
depression in children is difficult as there are no specific tests that can diagnose the
condition. Mental health experts determine if a child has depression by 12 PEDIATRIC
DEPRESSION SCREENING conducting interviews and screening tests with the child, peers,
teachers, and family members. SE605 Pediatric Depression Screenings ProjectThe data
collected from the interviews is then evaluated for signs of depression. However, the
unavailability of systems makes the condition difficult to diagnose (Bitsko et al., 2018). For
instance, if the child’s teachers and peers are unavailable to provide information, it would
be challenging for mental health experts to diagnose the child with depression. Significance
Depression among children needs to be addressed as it affects their mental development.
Positive mental health is critical to a healthy development, as emotional health is integral to
the overall health of a child. A study conducted by Bardach et al., (2017) indicate that up to
44% of all pediatric mental health conditions in 2015 can be traced back to depression.
Therefore, depression is a significant mental health condition that influences the mental
development of a child. Depression inhibits the physical development of a child as it causes
changes in an individual’s self-perception and perception of others. Boyd, Bee, and Johnson
(2015) indicate that mental health contributes to the physical development of an individual
as it affects functioning in school, at home, and in other social settings. Depression affects
children’s physical development. For young children who are depressed, they may avoid
taking food or they could engage in overeating, which potentially compromises their
physical development. Boyd, Bee, and Johnson (2015) indicate that children with existing
medical conditions may find that their symptoms get worse after undergoing depression.
Depression presents itself through physical signs involving headaches, diarrhea,
constipation, insomnia, nausea, and inflammation. Children with depression also incur
changes in appetite, which consequently cause unintended weight loss or gain. Health
practitioners link 13 PEDIATRIC DEPRESSION SCREENING drastic change in weight to
conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, depression in children exposes
them to increased risks of chronic illnesses that affect them for the rest of their lives.
Depression has serious cost consequences for the individual, family, and the country. In
terms of the individual, depression causes strains to parents, especially when it affects
children from low and middle income earning families. The parents may incur increased
health costs needed to cater for psychotherapy and counseling treatment. Due to the
increased costs in managing depression, the household’s finances are strained, which may
affect the parents’ abilities to provide food, educational materials, and other household
needs. Depression is also an issue of. SE605 Pediatric Depression Screenings Project