Bridging the gap: Identifying depression and suicidality in pediatric surgical patients and the need for early...

Depression rates among adolescents in the United States (U.S.) are rising. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for depression in adolescents, which has been done in selective settings but not universally among pediatric surgery patients. We aimed to determine the prevalence of depression in this population.

We retrospectively reviewed inpatient pediatric surgical admissions from 2017 to 2023. Patients aged 12-17 who underwent surgery during admission were included. Primary outcomes were Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2 scores >2, PHQ-9 scores >9, and suicidality. Patient risk factors, including social, medical, and mental health history, were assessed for association with primary outcomes.

Among 513 patients, the proportion of patients who scored >2 on the PHQ-2 was 2.3 % (n = 12). Of these patients who were subsequently administered the PHQ-9, 75 % (n = 9) scored >9, indicating a new diagnosis of depression. Nine patients had suicidal ideation. Thirteen patients received a psychiatric evaluation (2.5 %). The overall prevalence of depression in this cohort, including prior diagnoses, was 9.4 % (n = 49). Female gender, history of family disruption, family history of mental illness, or abuse/assault were associated with depression and suicidality.

Although depression is less common in children admitted to our pediatric surgical service, when it did occur, there was a high correlation with suicidal ideation. This screening allowed potentially lifesaving help to these patients through social work and mental health referrals. Depression screening should be considered in all pediatric surgery patients as it has the potential to detect patients in need of help and save lives.