THE STATE OF NURSING SCIENCE—CULTURAL AND LIFESPAN ISSUES IN DEPRESSION: PART II: FOCUS ON CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

The manifestation of depressive phenomena is a complex, dynamic biopsychosocial process across cultures and the lifespan. Without appropriate treatment, depression persists and can have significant negative effects on the lives of youth, including an increased risk of suicide. Psychiatric mental-health (PMH) nurses are uniquely positioned to address this health concern. This manuscript is Part II of a review of current nursing literature on culture and lifespan aspects of depression. The review presented in Part II focuses on children and adolescents. This information can be used to enhance PMH nurses' knowledge of current nursing research and their efforts in addressing prevention, early intervention, education, and treatment of youth who experience depression.