Date of Award
2-2022
Degree Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Department
Neurobehavioral
Abstract
Internalizing disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), are characterized by processes within the self since the primary symptoms tend to involve thoughts and feelings (APA, 2015). MDD is a mood disorder characterized by a persistently sad or irritable mood that affects one’s thinking and behavior and interferes with daily life (APA, 2015). In 2018, 3.2% of the pediatric population ages 3-17 in the United States were diagnosed with depression. (CDC, 2021). Depression and anxiety are comorbid disorders occurring concurrently; 73.8% of children diagnosed with MDD also have anxiety (CDC, 2021).
Internalizing disorders that are quiet and cause internal distress make it more difficult to detect in young children, who have less developed verbal skills and a limited capacity to describe internal feeling states (Tandon, Cardeli, & Luby, 2009). Several studies have determined through observation, parent-report, teacher-report, and self-report, that symptoms of depression can be detected as early as preschool-age children (Grover et al., 2005; Lewis & Olsson, 2011; Bufferd et al., 2014; Tandon et al., 2009). Furthermore, findings from a logistic regression analysis showed that depression during preschool age was a significant predictor of later depression (Luby et al., 2009). Due to the long-term nature of mood disorders, early diagnosis and treatment are needed to ensure adequate development.
This capstone project is a literature review of the identification of internalizing disorders such as depression among children and the need for intervention as these disorders can progress into adulthood. Additionally, this capstone will explore the role pediatricians can assume when assisting families who have identified symptoms in their children and monitor progression through adolescence into adulthood.
Recommended Citation
Alvaro, Riley, "Childhood Depression: Identifying Depression in the Pediatric Population" (2022). PCOM Capstone Projects. 53.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/capstone_projects/53