Northern Kentucky University

Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Senior

Major

Nursing

2nd Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Senior

2nd Student Major

Nursing

KY House District #

61

KY Senate District #

17

Department

Nursing Department

Abstract

This project aimed to examine the current practice related to mental health and depression screenings in pediatric patients. The benefits of implementing screening in schools in identifying depression and suicide risks sooner were also considered. This project focused on the correlation between earlier mental health screening and identification of these mental health disorders earlier in the life of pediatric patients and suicide rates. Current, published literature notes mental health screening in the pediatric population in schools is an effective method to facilitate monitoring and early intervention in detecting a mental illness. Schools implementing mental health screenings can result in increased outreach, help the youth in need, and mobilize school and community efforts to promote student mental health while reducing barriers to their learning. Lastly, it was identified schools represent a primary service delivery setting for children who do receive treatment, with estimates indicating up to 80% who receive mental health services do so at school. It is recommended for quarterly universal depression and suicide screening for all students in public schools should be implemented. It is also recommended for more research be done on the effects of the implementation of early pediatric depression screening on reducing suicide rates.

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Screenings to Decrease Pediatric Suicide

This project aimed to examine the current practice related to mental health and depression screenings in pediatric patients. The benefits of implementing screening in schools in identifying depression and suicide risks sooner were also considered. This project focused on the correlation between earlier mental health screening and identification of these mental health disorders earlier in the life of pediatric patients and suicide rates. Current, published literature notes mental health screening in the pediatric population in schools is an effective method to facilitate monitoring and early intervention in detecting a mental illness. Schools implementing mental health screenings can result in increased outreach, help the youth in need, and mobilize school and community efforts to promote student mental health while reducing barriers to their learning. Lastly, it was identified schools represent a primary service delivery setting for children who do receive treatment, with estimates indicating up to 80% who receive mental health services do so at school. It is recommended for quarterly universal depression and suicide screening for all students in public schools should be implemented. It is also recommended for more research be done on the effects of the implementation of early pediatric depression screening on reducing suicide rates.

 

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