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
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dr. Laura Boesken
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.
Included in
Pediatric Nursing Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons
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.