Treating Child and Adolescent Depression and Anxiety in Primary Care

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.
Source: The Journal for Nurse Practitioners - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Featured Article Source Type: research