Citation

Rice SM, Halperin S, Cahill S, Cranston I, Phelan M, Hetrick SE, Blaikie S, Edwards J, Koutsogiannis J, Davey CG. Australas. Psychiatry 2017; 25(2): 112-116.

Affiliation

Orygen Youth Health; NorthWestern Mental Health; Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, and; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, and; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1039856216689002

PMID

28135816

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Depression is the leading cause of disability for Australians from late adolescence through mid-adulthood, and effective treatments can positively impact subsequent life course trajectories. A treatment model for the management of complex youth depression, characterised by symptom severity, multi-morbidity and ongoing suicidality is presented.

CONCLUSIONS: The Youth Mood Clinic (YMC) provides multidisciplinary, team-based treatment for young people aged 15-25 years. The YMC model utilises a phased treatment approach, drawing on elements of cognitive and interpersonal psychotherapy embedded within case management and psychiatry review. Particular attention is given to developmental factors, engagement, assessment, suicide risk, caregiver input and pharmacotherapy. Key tasks of the YMC treatment phases are outlined, reflecting initial stages, recovery planning and treatment, continuation, consolidation and future planning.

Language: en

Keywords

depression; early intervention; public health; suicide; youth