SRP Update

Dear diary,

This week has been a challenging one at my SRP. When I first arrived today at the location of my SRP, Camelback pediatrics, I received a number of PHQ-9 teenage depression screens to score. The process of scoring these forms is not known to everyone.

The scoring of these screens is not very difficult, and requires only a rudimentary knowledge of addition to complete. The forms have 9 questions (hence, PHQ-9), and the subjects are given a graded scale from 0-3 with which to answer each question, with a 0 indicating that the symptom described in a given question is felt rarely or never, and a 3 indicating it is almost constant (see my previous post for an in-depth look at the questions we administered!). To obtain the total depression score, one must add all of the answers together.

For example, a hypothetical patients fills out his PHQ-9 form below:

In order to obtain his final depression score, we must do some addition, and add the scores.

3 + 2 + 0 + 0 + 3 + 1 +2 + 3 + 2 = 16

Next, we read the chart below and assess the level of the patient's depression.

From the chart above, we see that our hypothetical patient has moderately severe depression. Success! The form has been scored.

That's all for today my friends! 

Stay frosty! - Ted ;)

SRP = Some Real Purpose?

Dear diary,

Today is an important day in the history of my SRP. Perhaps, no, certainly the most important orbit of earth around the moon since I embarked on this journey a number of weeks ago, for this is the day we have chosen our adolescent depression screen!

Below is a picture of said screen. Examine it closely, friends, for this document will form the BASIS (killer pun!) of all of my future work here at SRP.

The name of this form is PHQ-9. Originally a screen for many different sorts of mental ailments, the PHQ-9 form has been specifically adapted to screen for depression in adolescents! Check by next week for new information concerning how the test is scored!

Stay frosty! - Ted ;)

Abstract (I was supposed to post this earlier whoops)

Dear diary,

Depression is a common problem which plagues thousands of teens each year. As many as 20% of teens will experience depression, but only 30% of those cases are detected. Pediatric offices, such as Camelback Pediatrics where this project will occur, are extremely important in the detection and treatment of teenage depression. Detection of this disorder is typically achieved through an oral or written survey. The effects of depression can be long-lasting and difficult to resolve, so early detection and assistance is important. Following extensive research on the topic of teenage depression, the doctors of Camelback Pediatrics, in conjunction with their Maintenance of Certification (MOC) project are researching and enhancing aspects of these necessary procedures. Once confirmed and updated, depression disorders can be better detected and addressed medically.

Stay frosty! - Ted ;)