Depression Screening in Orphaned Children: A Systematic Review

Background: The death of a loved one is recognized as one of the most stressful situations that can experience a person during his/her lifetime. Children are the most vulnerable people in the family when a person dies, which is the main source of care for them (like mother). Loss of parent / s in early childhood has been strongly associated with depression even in one's later adult life. Aims: To investigate the effects and problems caused by the depression in orphans. The specific objectives include the recognition of depression, exploring the most important ways to deal effectively with depression and the role of health care professionals. Methodology: The material for this study was made by searching studies in the electronic databases: PubMed, ProQuest, Medline and Google Scholar, showing the depression of children who have lost one or both parents and covering the period 2008-2018. Results: Compared to general children, orphans are more exposed to negative outcomes in life such as abuse, neglect and depression. Pain, grief, suicide, despair, lack of concentration at school are many of the results of depression in an orphaned child. Children who were caregivers to younger siblings could more easily deal with the problem or at least limit it. Most of the research studies have shown that the contribution of health care professionals is necessary to address the major problems of a child who has lost one or both parents. Conclusions: As the distinction of depression from other emotional disorders with similar symptoms, in childhood may be difficult, health care professionals are responsible for early recognition and management of depression in orphaned children.