Abstract

ORTIZ CUQUEJO, Lidia María; SAMUDIO DOMINGUEZ, Gloria Celeste; AVALOS, Domingo Santiago  and  GONZALEZ, Ana María. Prevalence of depressive symptoms in hospitalized pediatric patients at a tertiary medical center. Pediatr. (Asunción) [online]. 2016, vol.43, n.2, pp.109-114. ISSN 1683-9803.  https://doi.org/10.18004/ped.2016.agosto.109-114.

Introduction: Depression is currently a silent epidemic in mental health. Its presence in the adolescent population has different causes and can lead to death by self-harm. Early diagnosis is essential for establishing appropriate treatment. Objective: To determine the frequency of depressive symptoms in adolescents admitted to a tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study with an analytical component, in adolescents of both sexes, ages 10-18 years old, admitted to the Pediatrics Service at the National Hospital of Itauguá from March to August, 2014. Results: We included 58 adolescents in the study; the average age was 13.5 years (10-16 years), with a predominance of females (61%). 55% lived with both parents. The main reason for not living with the mother was migration. In most cases, the relationship with both parents was described as good. The reasons for hospitalization varied. Abuse in its various forms was the reason for hospitalization in 32% of cases. 69% of hospitalized patients showed some degree of depression, which was more severe in those patients admitted because of various types of abuse. Conclusions: The prevalence of depressive symptoms of varying severity is high, with higher severity observed in cases of abuse, but symptoms are also present with other diseases.

Keywords : Depression; adolescence; inpatient; Beck questionnaire.

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