Adolescent On‐set Depression

Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Secondary School

Major

-

Minor

-

Institution

Project Lead The Way - Kentucky

KY House District #

29

KY Senate District #

95

Abstract

Depression in adolescence and adulthood is common, afflicting up to 20 percent of the population. It represents a significant public health concern and is associated with considerable suffering and functional impairment. Adolescent-onset depression tends to be a particularly malignant and recalcitrant condition, increasing the likelihood of recurrence in adulthood. Adolescence being in a transitional period from childhood to adulthood is a stage of emotional instability resulting from demand for separation and independence. Evidence suggests that early intervention for depression in children can improve long-term outcomes. Therefore, careful assessment and differential diagnosis is essential. In this experiment, an investigation into the potential use of questions to survey the effects of our region on depression levels in adolescences and adults will be used to collect qualitative data. A survey will also be conducted which includes multiple students and teachers from around the school by asking a series of questions: how are you feeling today, do you have little interest or pleasure in completing tasks or activities, are you feeling bad about yourself, have you ever felt like you are a failure, have you let yourself or your family down? The answers to these questions will help determine the data needed to analyze whether your region can affect your depression levels. Upon calculating the results of the survey, further research will be conducted in order to discover the amount of depression upon adolescences and adults in a more impoverished region outside of the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield region.

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Adolescent On‐set Depression

Depression in adolescence and adulthood is common, afflicting up to 20 percent of the population. It represents a significant public health concern and is associated with considerable suffering and functional impairment. Adolescent-onset depression tends to be a particularly malignant and recalcitrant condition, increasing the likelihood of recurrence in adulthood. Adolescence being in a transitional period from childhood to adulthood is a stage of emotional instability resulting from demand for separation and independence. Evidence suggests that early intervention for depression in children can improve long-term outcomes. Therefore, careful assessment and differential diagnosis is essential. In this experiment, an investigation into the potential use of questions to survey the effects of our region on depression levels in adolescences and adults will be used to collect qualitative data. A survey will also be conducted which includes multiple students and teachers from around the school by asking a series of questions: how are you feeling today, do you have little interest or pleasure in completing tasks or activities, are you feeling bad about yourself, have you ever felt like you are a failure, have you let yourself or your family down? The answers to these questions will help determine the data needed to analyze whether your region can affect your depression levels. Upon calculating the results of the survey, further research will be conducted in order to discover the amount of depression upon adolescences and adults in a more impoverished region outside of the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield region.