Depression in Primary School Student in Dusit District, Bangkok

Abstract

Objective: To study prevalence and symptoms of depression in primary school students in Dusit District, Bangkok Metropolis

Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study which samples compose from 2,164 in primary schools students in grade 4 to 6 in 8 schools in Dusit District, Bangkok Metropolis area. The study comprised 2 stages, the first stage is screened by using a Thai version of Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI-Thai) and the second stage is to obtain diagnosis by child and adolescent psychiatrist’s clinical interview.

Results: There were 2,164 subjects. Mean age was 10.65 ± 1.03 years, 1,002 (46.3%) were male, and 1,162 (53.7%) were female. Thirty-five students were diagnosed as depressive disorders, 19 males and 14 females, which makes the male to female ratio to be 1.2:1. Therefore, the prevalence of depressive disorders is 1.6%. Fourteen (0.6%) students had major depressive disorder, 19 (0.9%) had dysthymia, and 2 (0.1%) had a depressive disorder not otherwise specified. Forty-five (2.1%) students had adjustment disorder. Nevertheless, the prevalence of depressive disorders may be lower than actual because there are only 30% of screened students in first stage obtaining diagnoses in second stage. The five most common symptoms from CDI in depressed student are I can never be as good as other (91.5%), Nothing will ever work out for me (88.6%), I have to push myself all the time to do my schoolwork (88.2%), Nobody really loves me (88.2%), and I look ugly (85.7%).

Conclusion: Prevalence of depressive disorder in primary school students in Dusit District, Bangkok Metropolis is 1.6%. Most common symptoms were I can never be as good as others, Nothing will ever work out for me, I have to push myself all the time to do my schoolwork, Nobody really loves me, and I look ugly. Parents and teachers should keep an eye on counsel, guidance to as well as consult the child and adolescent psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment.