Research Proposal On Expected Results On Hypothesis

[Student’s Complete Name]

Results

Research suggested that the inception of depression is taking place earlier in life today that in previous years and oftentimes synchronizes with other forms of mental and psychological health problems such as schizophrenia and chronic anxiety (Merrell, 2001; National Institute of Mental Health, 2001). The hypothesis of this research sought to determine (1) the distinguishing signs and symptoms of depression; (2) if depression is treatable or not; (3) the roles of adults and schools in the prevention and care to children and adolescents suffering from depression.
Depression was found to be a leading cause of childhood and adolescence death due to suicide (Cash, 2004). Children and teenagers who posed stressful encounters at school and in home, who had experienced loss of a loved one, or those who were having attention, behavioural, and learning disorders were more prone to developing clinical depression. This study also found that gender does not qualify as an important factor to susceptibility to depression. However, girls are discovered to be more vulnerable to depression during teenage years as compared to boys. The study had also discovered a correlation between family history and developing clinical depression. Children and adolescents whose parents or relatives or both had experiences of depression were more likely to develop similar illness in the long run.

Expected Results for Each Hypothesis

Although signs and symptoms of clinical depression overlap with some other psychological and mental disorders such as schizophrenia, paranoia, and chronic anxiety, the following signs and symptoms had been found to be the most consistent identifying factors for having depression: extreme sadness and irritability, sudden loss of interest on things that were previously enjoyed, a change in eating habits and apparent weight loss, difficulty in sleeping, agitation and very lethargic, feeling of worthlessness, loss of concentration, showing intents of suicide.
Diagnostic Evaluation: The study found that depression is treatable as contrary to previous studies. Every child or adolescent receiving proper nursing and psychological intervention can be aided to reduce the adverse effects of depression. Children who have shown signs of clinical depression had responded positively to treatments administered by mental health professionals. Treatments can include: physical examination, laboratory tests, conversation with the child and parents, psychological and behavioural evaluations, and referral to other professionals.
The study found four most effective means to treat clinical depression: (1) educating the child or adolescent regarding clinical depression (2) psychotherapy (3) constant assessment and monitoring; and (4) psychiatric meditation.
The study also found that adults and schools have roles in treating and caring for children and adolescents who are suffering from clinical depression. Adults or parents should monitor and talk to their children regarding their personal thoughts and problems. Parents who are found to engage in personal talks with their children suggest lower risk of developing clinical depression among children and adolescents. Also, schools that have caring and supportive environment have the lowest rate of depression and deaths from suicide.

Reference List

Cash, R. (2004). Depression in children and adolescents: Information for parents and
Educators [PDF Document]. Retrieved from the National Association of School
Psychologist Website: http://www.nasponline.org/resources/handouts/revisedpdfs/depression.pdf
Merrell, K.W. (2001). Helping children overcome depression and anxiety: A practical guide.
New York: Guilford Publishing.
National Institute of Mental Health (2001). Depression in children and adolescents [PDF].
Retrieved from: www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depchildrefact.