8-2 Discussion: Classmates Final Presentations
For my final project, I chose to research depression in children and adolescents. Depression, a major risk
factor for suicide, is a common emotional disorder that negatively affects the way children and
adolescents think, feel, and act (What is depression?, n.d.). Characteristics of depression such as loss of
interest in activities or persistent depressed mood in which daily life is significantly impaired and can
lead to a variety of physical and behavioral symptoms (American Academy of Pediatrics AAP, 2019).
Symptoms of depression include depressed mood, loss of pleasure or interests, changes in
weight or appetite, changes in sleep, suicidality, feelings of agitation or restlessness, energy loss or
fatigue, feeling guilty or worthless, and issues concentrating (Tolentino, J.C. & Schmidt, S.L., n.d.).
According to the article, Depression in children and young people, causes of depression can
include family history of depression, difficulties with family, bullying, loss of parent or loved one, chronic
illness, stress, and neglect. Additional common causes include psychological, physical, or sexual abuse,
other disorders like attention, conduct or learning disorders, and other traumas like natural disasters,
community/school violence, or terrorism (Childhood depression, n.d.).
Thesis argument: Addressing the needs of children and adolescents with depression is
imperative as the longer depression goes untreated, the more likely it will interfere with an individual’s
life. Children and adolescents frequently experience depression; thus, it is important identify symptoms
hastily, implement interventions and treatments including psychotherapy for mild cases and a
combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for moderate to severe cases, and avoid leaving
them untreated with the disorder (Moreland, C.S. & Bonin PhD., L.).
The link for my presentation can be found here:
https://snhu-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/r/personal/jessica_nicholas2_snhu_edu/Documents/PSY
%20314%207-2%20Final%20Project%20Presentation.pptx?
d=wf342083e9acc4929adaab32627ff00bc&csf=1&web=1&e=bEgYcF
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2019). Depression and Suicide Prevention. American Academy
of Pediatrics. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from
https://eds-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=7&sid=94b620d1-2bf6-4642-
9b2c-e977c50dde0b%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d
%3d#AN=2265575&db=nlebk
Childhood Depression. (n.d.) Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA). CASA of Arizona.
Retrieved October 5, 2022, from https://www.azcourts.gov/casa/Training/Training-Courses/Childhood-
Depression
Depression in children and young people. (n.d.). NHS choices. Retrieved September 22, 2022, from
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/children-depressed-
signs/
Moreland D.O., C.S. & Bonin PhD., L. (n.d.). Patient education: Depression treatment options for children
and adolescents (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate. Retrieved October 8, 2022, from
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/depression-treatment-options-for-children-and-adolescents-
beyond-the-basics
Tolentino, J.C., & Schmidt, S.L. (n.d.). DSM-5 criteria and depression severity: Implications for clinical
practice. Frontiers. Retrieved October 5, 2022, from
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00450/full
What is depression? American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Retrieved October 11, 2022, from
https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
