| Abstract: | Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health illnesses often diagnosed during the child and adolescent years. Patients presenting with depression and/or anxiety symptoms typically initially present to a primary care provider (PCP). PCPs need to be able to identify symptoms, which can be aided by a screening tool. First-line treatment is psychotherapy followed by a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for those diagnosed with depression or anxiety. PCPs should refer child and adolescent patients to a psychiatric specialist who have 8 weeks of no symptom improvement, severe symptoms, suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, or suspected bipolar disorder. |
