Therapists Recommended Depression Screenings for Youth to Help Prevent Drug Use

The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) released a statement this week encouraging parents to include depression screenings in routine back-to-school check-ups. CAMFT recommends that all teens be screened, not just those who appear to be at risk.

Approximately 6 percent of teens in the U.S. suffer from clinical depression. Depression in youth has been linked to numerous negative outcomes including lower grades, early pregnancy, drug use and even suicide. Symptoms of depression may include significant changes in eating or sleeping habits, irritability or anger, withdrawal from family and friends, changes in grades or school attendance, lack of interest, or substance abuse.

(Source: www. Businesswire.com)

Labels: back to school, camft. depression

Posted By: Aspen Education Group