Adolescent Depression and Acupuncture Essay Adolescent Depression and Acupuncture

Adolescent Depression and Acupuncture Essay Adolescent Depression and Acupuncture

Topic Overview
Depression is a real disorder creating a global problem. The WHO identifies approximately 264 million people worldwide who suffer from this disorder (Depression 1, n.d.). Major depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is defined as a single episode or recurrent episodes of unipolar depression that results in a significant change in a client’s normal functioning (Halter, 2018). For a diagnosis of major depression to be made, five or more specific clinical findings must have been present during the same 2-week period (Halter, 2018). These clinical findings are a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest or pleasure in external stimuli, accompanied by depressed mood, difficulties sleeping, or sleeping too much. They may experience conflicting feelings of failure and inadequacy, decreased ability to concentrate, indecisiveness, overtiredness, or suicidal ideation.  Adolescent Depression and Acupuncture Essay Additionally, a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month or increase or decrease in motor activity can be another possible identifying symptom (Halter, 2018). For diagnosis, these symptoms must be experienced most of the day nearly every day, being the source of noteworthy and substantial deterioration in critical components of the patient’s life and be independent of any other ailments or substance abuse (Halter, 2018).

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Research has shown that depression can be caused by more than just psychological factors. Depression is additionally affected by biological, genetic, and environmental factors (Armour et al., 2019). Etiologically, it is believed to be the result of changes in the reception of the neurotransmitters: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine (Varcarolis & Varcarolis, 2015). These changes affect numerous parts of the brain, including the hippocampus, amygdala, and limbic systems (Varcarolis & Varcarolis, 2015). While these changes have been found to have some genetic association, much research, including biochemical markers and brain scans, are still underway (Varcarolis & Varcarolis, 2015)
Discussion of patient/population of intereAdolescent Depression and Acupuncture Essay st: Adolescents experiencing symptoms of depression
In the US, the National Institute of Mental Health reports approximately An estimated 17.3 million or 7% of adults and 13.3% of adolescents who have had at least one major depressive episode with the prevalence leaning more towards females (Major Depression, n.d.). Among the adolescent population, as much as 70% of those who suffered the ordeal of a depressive episode experienced severe impairment associated with that episode (Major Depression, n.d.). It is scary to think that the youth of America are so affected by this disorder as suicide is a genuine concern for those who battle with depression. Adolescent depression is linked to substance abuse, early parenthood, higher medical expenses, and increased suicide risk (Lewandowski et al., 2013). Depression beginning before the age of 12 is further associated with increased risk for depressive episodes throughout their lifetime, reduced function, and psychiatric comorbidities (Lewandowski et al., 2013). Sadly, as of 2017, 60% of adolescents with this disorder did not receive treatment (Major Depression, n.d.). This, in part, maybe due to the dependence on pediatricians, almost singularly, to detect and diagnose adolescent depression. Pediatricians may be ill-prepared and or too pressed for time to collect and adequately interpret psychiatric findings, especially in the absence of clear guidelines for the treatment of adolescent depression (Major Depression, n.d.).
Intervention of Interest
Acupuncture is an ancient and traditional form of Chinese medicine that has gained popularity and respect in the medical community. The premise that acupuncture is built on is far removed from the views of modern western medicine. According to this approach, a steady flow of energy flows throughout the body called “qi.” This energy follows specific pathways or meridians that can become blocked, resulting in ailments. Acupuncture is the insertion of small needles in specific points along meridian lines. This technique is thought to stimulate these meridians to restore the free flow of energy, bringing the body back to a state of balance and wellness. Western medicine still struggles to explain the phenomenon as these points do not seemingly correspond to any anatomical structures.Adolescent Depression and Acupuncture Essay
One thought is that meridian lines are instead responsive liquid collagen crystals in connective tissue that support express cellular conduction (Dossey et al., 2016). Regardless of how it works, considerable research has been conducted regarding this form of complementary