Abstract
Depression is a disease that affects all people throughout the lifespan. In adolescents, this disease has significantly increased over past decades. Depression is a disease that is under screened and undertreated, especially in the primary care setting. With the adolescent population, there are many adverse outcomes and co-morbidities that can result if the disease is left unidentified. The Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a common screening tool that is reliable in aiding in the diagnosis of depression. The purpose of this study was to implement the PHQ-9 screening tool for adolescents in a primary care setting and assess providers’ perceptions of instrument and screening process. A total of 25% of adolescents who were screened had PHQ-9 scores that were high risk and were therefore able to be treated appropriately. Positive feedback from the provider who participated was also resulted. Proper routine screening for depression and management of depression is vital among adolescents in primary care. It is also essential for providers to routinely screen patients for depression in this age group to ensure untreated mental disease does not have lifelong effects.