Problems Relating to the Identifying, Diagnosing and the Assessment of Depression in Adolescents

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Problems relating to the identifying, diagnosing and the assessment of depression in adolescents

By Nicolette Dovey

Compiled by Nicolette Dovey, Post Graduate Student, Abnormal Child Psychology Course, UNISA

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Problems relating to identifying, diagnosing and the assessment of depression in adolescents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.

Introduction

2.

Factors that causes problems relating to identifying/ diagnosing and the assessment of depression in adolescents

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8

Self-Worth contingencies Depression, suicide and drug usage Gender Culture and ethnicity Health factors Parental work schedules Parenting Styles Sexual behavior coupled with substance abuse

3.

Conclusion

4.

Reference List

Compiled by Nicolette Dovey, Post Graduate Student, Abnormal Child Psychology Course, UNISA

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1. Introduction

There is difficulty in diagnosing adolescent depression due to related developmental issues. Although the same diagnostic criteria are applied to adults and adolescents, awareness of which symptoms are prominent in the clinical manifestation of adolescent MDE is important for its recognition and diagnosis so as to avoid psychosocial and educational consequences.

According to the study made by (Crowe, Ward, Dunnachie, & Roberts, 2006). The most frequently reported symptoms in moderate depression were irritability and decreased concentration, followed by social withdrawal. Although the DSMIV-TR identifies irritability as a characteristic of adolescent depression, it states that it is not a criterion for a major depressive episode. This in itself causes a problem when diagnosing adolescent depression as studies have shown that irritability is very prominent in adolescent MDE and may be overlooked or regarded as behavioural if nurses are not familiar with the specific characteristics of depression. It is interesting to note that Cooper and Goodyer (as cited in Crowe. et...