Depression and Suicide Angela Borasky Miwa Nguyen Anita Pittman

What is Depression? A disease affecting the entire mind and body, causing a person to feel miserable in many ways. Changes in brain chemistry make it happen. Causes – unknown Can strike normal and healthy people. Often confused with other illnesses. Treatable with medications and therapies.

Triggers of Depression in Teenagers Personal experiences Earlier traumatic experiences Stress Hormonal changes Medical conditions Allergies Nutritional deficiencies Biology

Effects of Depression in Teenagers Drug and alcohol use Low self-esteem Eating disorders Self injury Acting out Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Prevalence of Depression As many as 8% of adolescents 1-3% of children 5% of all children ages 9-17 have been diagnosed with major depression

Relapse of Depression 20-40% of depressed children relapse within 2 years 70% of depressed children relapse by adulthood

Mood Disorders Major Depressive Disorder Dysthymic Disorder Bipolar Disorder Cyclothymic Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder Primary hallmark of this disorder is a depressed mood present for most of the time, nearly every day for at least two weeks. Depression in adolescence is associated with future problems with depression.

Dysthymic Disorder Evidenced by depressed or irritable mood for at least one year. This is normally milder than major depressive disorder but can lead to major depressive disorder and can cause impairment in functioning and development.

Co-Morbidity Depression is highly associated with: Eating Disorders Anxiety Disorders Personality Disturbances Substance Abuse Suicidal Ideology

IMPLICATIONS FOR LEARNING DIFFICULTY WITH: CONCENTRATION ORGANIZATION FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS REMEMBERING ASSIGNMENTS EXTREME SENSITIVITY TO CORRECTION, FAILURE, OR REJECTION LACK OF ALERTNESS-DUE TO SLEEP DISRUPTIONS

IMPLICATIONS FOR LEARNING GETTING TO SCHOOL ON TIME OR GETTING TO SCHOOL AT ALL FITTING IN SOCIALLY OR ACADEMICALLY SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR VIOLENCE AND AGGRESSION LEGAL TROUBLES SUICIDE

CONSEQUENCES SCHOOL PERFORMANCE AND LEARNING (Grades, Attendance) SOCIAL INTERACTIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORMAL PEER RELATIONSHIPS SELF-ESTEEM AND LIFE SKILL ACQUISITION PARENT-CHILD RELATIONS AND CHILD’S SENSE OF BONDING AND TRUST

WHAT CAN BE DONE? COUNSELORS AND SCHOOL DEVELOP A CARING, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT DEVELOP SCHOOL WIDE PROGRAM TO EDUCATE TEACHERS, STUDENTS, AND PARENTS MAKE SURE THERE IS AN INTERVENTION PROTOCOL FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TO FOLLOW COLLABORATE WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS PROVIDE DIRECT SERVICES TO STUDENTS

DIRECT SERVICES INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING GROUP COUNSELING MENTORING PROGRAMS

COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL CURRICULUM IMPROVE SOCIAL SKILLS INCREASE PLEASANT ACTIVITIES RELAXATION TRAINING INCREASE POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND DECREASE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS COMMUNICATION TRAINING PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS MAINTAINING GAINS

TEACHER Accommodations ATTITUDE CLASSROOM STRESS BE FLEXIBLE EXPECT DISORGANIZATION AND FORGETFULNESS GIVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT FIND AND PRAISE THE GOOD MAKE USE OF FORMAL ACCOMMODATIONS BE COMPASSIONATE

Suggestions for Parents of Depressed Children Do not minimize the seriousness. Arrange one interesting activity a day. Be aware of warning signs of suicide. Seek counseling. Consult your family doctor for a complete medical exam.

Adolescent Suicide Suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death in adolescents. Only car accidents and homicide cause more deaths. 22% of depressed children will attempt suicide About 3-4% of adolescents will have considered suicide in the past two weeks

Risk Factors for Suicide in Teenagers Previous suicidal behavior History of psychiatric disorder or substance abuse Family history of suicide, psychiatric disorder or substance abuse Loss of parent through any means History of abuse, violence or neglect Social isolation/alienation, including because of being gay or being bullied

Suicide Rates 1-2 out of every 100,000 children under the age of 15 will commit suicide About 11 out of 100,000 children in the age group will commit suicide 20% of male suicides and 14% of female suicides are in the year old age group

15-19 Year Olds 86% of teenage suicides occur in this age group Boys actually kill themselves five times more often than girls Girls attempt suicide twice as often as boys

Suicide Rates By Nationality Deaths per 100,000resident population ages 15-24: Black/African American American Indian/Alaskan Native Asian/Pacific Islander- 8.7 Hispanic White- 12.4

References Cash, R.E. (2003). When depression brings teens down. The Education Digest, 69(3), Erk, R. (2004). Counseling Treatment for Children and Adolescents with DSM-IV-TR Disorders. Columbus,OH: Merrill Prentice-Hall. Forness, S. R., Walker, H. M., & Kavale, K. A. (2003). Psychiatric disorders and treatments: A primer for teachers. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 36(2), Guetzloe, E. (2003). Depression and disability in children and adolescents. ERIC digest No. EDOEC09). U.S.; Virginia: ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education Depression and Suicide in Children and Adolescents National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United Staes, With chartbook on trends in the health of Americans. Hyattsville, MD Phillips, J. H., Corcoran, J., & Grossman, C. (2003). Implementing a cognitive- behavioral curriculum for adolescents with depression in the school setting. Children & Schools, 25(3), Sarafolean, M.H., (2000). Depression in school-age children and adolescents: Characteristics, assessment and prevention. A Pediatric Perspective, 9(4) July/August,