TeachME Professional Development

1. Each of the following is an accurate statement about depression in children and adolescents EXCEPT:

A. Normal behaviors vary from one childhood stage to another, so it can be difficult to tell whether a child who shows changes in behavior is just going through a temporary "phase" or is suffering from depression B. According to the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A), about 7 percent of adolescents have a depressive disorder by age 18, and boys are slightly more likely than girls to experience depression C. Young children who are depressed may complain of feeling sick, refuse to go to school, or cling to a parent or caregiver, while older children and teens may sulk, get into trouble at school, be negative or grouchy, or feel misunderstood D. With medication, psychotherapy, or combined treatment, most youth with depression can be effectively treated, and they are more likely to respond to treatment if they receive it early in the course of their illness

2. Multi-generational studies have revealed a link between depression that runs in families as well as changes in _____________________, some of which may precede the onset of depression.

A. Family dynamics B. Gene make-up and activity C. Interpersonal relationships and social status D. Brain structure and function

3. Many students who are experiencing depression don't know where to go for assistance or believe that treatment won't help, or they don't get help because they think depression symptoms are just part of the typical stresses of school or being a teen, or they may worry what other people will think if they seek mental health care.

A. True B. False

4. Antidepressants work on the brain's neurotransmitters, especially acetylcholine and epinephrine, with improvements generally being seen within 2-3 weeks.

A. True B. False

5. While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change negative styles of thinking and behavior that may contribute to depression, interpersonal therapy (IPT), helps people understand and work through troubled personal relationships that may cause or worsen depression.

A. True B. False

6. In 2011, the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA), a nationwide survey of college students at 2- and 4-year institutions, found that about 20 percent of college students reported feeling 'so depressed that it was difficult to function' at some time in the past year.

A. True B. False

7. Although depression does not have a single cause, the authors report that several factors may lead to depression in college students, including each of the following EXCEPT:

A. Living away from home for the first time and missing family or friends B. Feeling alone or isolated and experiencing conflict in relationships C. Facing feelings about the type of person he or she is expected to be, worrying about future plans, and having to make challenging decisions D. Facing new and sometimes difficult school work and worrying about finances

8. If feeling depressed, experts recommend that students break up large tasks, try not to do too many things at once, spend time with other people, do not make important decisions until feeling better, and talk about decisions with trusted others.

A. True B. False