DOI

10.21007/con.dnp.2025.0114

Faculty Advisor

Tracy McClinton DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, HGET-C, EBP-C; Jacqueline Sharp DNP, APRN, PMHP-BC; Sharon Little DNP, FNP-BC

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 4-29-2025

Disciplines

Health and Medical Administration | Investigative Techniques | Medicine and Health Sciences | Mental and Social Health | Nursing | Nursing Administration | Pediatric Nursing | Pediatrics | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | Psychiatry | Psychiatry and Psychology | Quality Improvement

Abstract

Purpose/Background

Anxiety and depression are prevalent mood disorders among the adolescent population with significant impacts on academic performance, social interactions, and mental well-being. With depression rates continuing to rise and suicide among the leading causes of death in adolescents, there is an urgent need for effective screening and intervention. While depression screening is recommended in the primary care setting, many adolescents do not have regular access to healthcare, complicating early identification and treatment. The purpose of this scoping review is to compare the effectiveness of two depression screening tools, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), to identify the most effective tool for depression screening specifically in the adolescent population.

Methods

This scoping review synthesized evidence on the efficacy of depression screening tools in adolescents aged 14-18, focusing on the PHQ-9 and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases between 2021 and 2024, yielding ten relevant studies. These studies assessed the validity, reliability, and effectiveness of the PHQ-9 and BDI in detecting depression in adolescents, primarily in public school settings, and examined the impact of these screenings on referral rates for mental health care.

Results

Both the PHQ-9 and BDI were found to be valid and reliable tools for screening adolescent depression. The PHQ-9 was particularly favored due to its brevity, accessibility, and alignment with DSM criteria, making it highly suitable for universal screening in school and primary care settings. The BDI, while comprehensive, was more appropriate for situations requiring a detailed assessment of depression severity.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Research suggests that universal screenings for depression in public schools is an ideal setting for identifying adolescents who may require mental health services. The studies that were reviewed present the importance of screening adolescents for depression to improve their overall quality of life. The implementation of routine screenings can fulfill an essential role in early identification and intervention, leading to improved outcomes for adolescents with depression. Screening programs must include a referral process to ensure that adolescents who screen positive are connected to mental health professionals and services. Both the PHQ-9 and BDI are considered sufficient for screening. However, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses should remain aware of current research and evidence-based practice, as well as advocate for further research that includes the available screening tools to determine their effectiveness and reliability.

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