NRS 434 Topic 3 Dq 1

NRS 434 Topic 3 Dq 1

As adolescents separate from their parents and gain a sense of control, sometimes they are unable to balance stresses. As a result, depression may occur, and, at times, suicide may be the outcome. Choose the topic of either adolescent depression or adolescent suicide. Discuss contributing factors and signs and symptoms that may be observed or assessed in these clients. Describe primary, secondary, and tertiary methods of health prevention for this topic. Research community and state resources and describe at least two of these for your chosen topic. What nursing interventions could you use to assist an adolescent you suspect is depressed beyond referring the adolescent to a state or community resource?

Adolescent depression is commonly known as teenage depression, it is a mental and emotional disorder that affect young men and women no differently than an adult. Signs and symptoms may be presented differently due to different developmental and social challenges that they face. Depression is associated with high levels of stress, anxiety and even suicide. It can affect a teenager’s personal life, school, family and social life. Up to 15% of children and adolescents have some symptoms of depression.

Symptoms of depression can be difficult to spot and can be easily confused as typical “teenage feelings”. Some symptoms can include sadness, irritable, changes in weight, decreased interest in activities that they once had a lot of interest in, changes in sleeping patterns, social isolation, and low performance in school.

Contributing factors that may bring about depression can be peer pressure, changing hormone levels, developing bodies, relationships, and sports. Also, home violence, parent’s divorce, loss of a loved or loss of a pet. In some instances, relocating and leaving friends and family behind can be a trigger. Another factor can be inherited traits. Research shows that depression has a biological component. Children that have one or both parents with depression are more likely to have depression themselves.

Primary methods for the prevention of adolescent depression is aimed to prevent it before it occurs. It is directed at the general population and usually involves national groups/organizations. One example is Big Brother/ Big sister organization. Secondary preventative methods are mainly to reduce the impact of the disease. This is done by detecting and treating depression as soon as possible and implementing programs that can aide in recovery and prevention of long term complications. An example of secondary prevention method is counseling /therapy sessions. Tertiary prevention is aimed to lessen the impact of an ongoing depressive state and to improve quality of life. It is designed to help long term depression; an example is support groups and medication.

As a nurse, I would make a mental health referral and follow up. I would also would direct them to community support groups. I think it would also be needed to make a referral for the parents so that they can have a better understanding of depression and the treatment of. I would also make sure that his doctor would be informed of my findings and the physician can treat or refer to a mental illness specialist as needed.

In my community, there is a large number of support groups that are available to young adolescents and can be found in www.health247.com another support group is www.dbsahouston.org. On a national scale there is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America www.adaa.org and Freedom From Fear www.fredomfromfear.org