Citation

Gallagher R. Prim. Psychiatry 2005; 12(9): 33-39.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, MBL Communications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The last two decades have seen a dramatic change in the treatment approaches used to address adolescent depression. Research studies on the characteristics of adolescents with depression have pinpointed problems in thinking, behavior, and social interactions that are linked to the disorder and its symptoms. Clinical researchers have used this information to develop specific treatments for depression that have been put to the empirical test with good results. This article reviews the rationale, treatment content, and effectiveness of four structured and targeted treatments for depression in youth as they have been applied to adolescents. The approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy, primary and secondary control enhancement therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents, and systemic-behavioral family therapy. Each of these methods contributes to improvements in rates of depression and depressive symptoms for adolescents with all forms of depression, including major depressive disorder. Thus, they provide advances in the care of the depressed adolescent. Their status in relation to the use of medication and their limits are discussed. Provided is a set of guidelines for primary practitioners to facilitate teenage engagement in therapy and make selections for referrals sources.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; human; social interaction; suicide; systematic review; family; psychotherapy; major depression; review; substance abuse; comparative study; primary medical care; conflict; mental health care; behavior therapy; cognitive therapy; practice guideline; emotion; problem solving; family therapy; evidence based medicine