Abstract
Depression and suicide are recognized as major problems among adolescents and young adults. Little is known of the epidemiology and risk factors associated with depression. We studied the prevalence of depression in a presumably low risk group. The study was conducted at a general youth clinic in Ocean City, Maryland between June 3, 1984 and September 2, 1984. This clinic serves teen and young adult summer workers, vacationers and some permanent residents. All patients between the ages of 13 and 25 were asked to complete the CES-D depression scale. This is a standardized survey instrument which measures depressive symptomatology among general populations. Demographic data and diagnosis were abstracted from the medical record. 581 patients returned a valid questionnaire. Data collection was complete for 94% of the questionnaires. Overall, 29% of our sample scored in the depressed range. This is significantly greater than the 17% noted in the general population (p<0.05). Depression was not related to the duration of residence at the resort. It was also unrelated to the patient's socioeconomic status, educational level or age. Females were significantly more depressed than males. The only diagnosis which was significantly related to depression was pregnancy. We conclude that depressive symptomatology is a significant problem among adolescents and young adults but that its presence in specific patients is not predictable.
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Gould, C., Gorman, R., Jacobson, M. et al. 5 BEACH PARTY: DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG C ADULTS IN A RESORT COMMUNITY. Pediatr Res 19, 111 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00035
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00035
