Training Pediatricians to Identify and Manage Adolescent Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following the Parkland Gun Violence Tragedy

Abstract

Purpose: Youth who are exposed to gun violence, including school shootings, are at increased risk for developing major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) leading to an increase in suicide. Primary care providers (PCPs) are uniquely positioned to be able to identify early signs of mental health problems and intervene, yet they lack appropriate training in identifying signs of depression and of PTSD. Experiential training for PCPs using standardized patients has shown promise in improving screening for and diagnosis of adolescent depression. However, this training had not previously …