Question

Tony has been referred to a mental health provider to assess for depression. Tony shows a mental health provider assessing Tony for depression and suicidality. The provider must find a way to get beyond female--oriented ways of asking about depression to help Tony talk about his feelings. Adolescent males often do not endorse sadness, depression, crying, or hopelessness. They may experience frustration, anxiety, irritability, and anger, and may have somatic concerns. Asking about these symptoms often provides a pathway for boys to talk more about their feelings, or to at least indicate their level of distress. Being able to assess adolescent boys for depression and suicidality is vital, given the rate of completed suicides among males.

Identify things that the patient said that would be of concern regarding depression and anxiety. What more questions would you ask the patient to gather additional information?

Answer 1

Some of the things which can be said by a patient which can be very concerning regarding depression and anxiety are

• Self isolation, social isolation from others at all or most of the time
• Avoidance of family members and having poor relationship with family members
• Getting irritated for everything
• Being frustrated to self and othets
• Showing some sort of suicidal activities through action ,writing or in verbal way.
• Certain somatic concerns

Some of the additional questions which can be asked to the patient to get information are

• The history of any type of bullying in the past. These types of incidents can leave a bad image on them making them feel depressed and trying to show fear and anxiety when they come across the same incidents in the future.
• Poor family life
• Is there are any use of substance abuse or any recreational drugs for getting pleasure to get rid of negativity
• Has the patient exhibited any type of suicidal behavior or attempts in the past.
• Any major loss financially or loved ones
• Feeling low for no reasons