Caregivers should thus be on the alert for symptoms of depression in these teens.
Studies confirm that adolescent's perceptions of their disorder and care may affect attitudes and treatment outcomes (Slimmer, 2005). Because of this it is important that counselors work with adolescents to discover acceptable labels for their disorder. Helpful labels are more likely to result in positive outcomes than detrimental ones (Slimmer, 2005). Richmond & Rosen (2005) confirm the adverse risks associated with antidepressant use, thus encourage caution when prescribing medication. Anti-depression medication use demonstrates "variable efficacy" in studies thus the research does not support its use (Richmond & Rosen, 467).
Conclusions
As supported in the research, a comprehensive medical intake and non-medication based approaches are most likely to result in a positive outcome for adolescents with depression. This researcher proposes therapy that involves cognitive behavioral therapy combined with positive self-reflection and attitude adjustment to help adolescents improve their self-image and self-esteem. In addition the researcher emphasizes careful attention to conditions that may contribute to depression including chronic illness. A therapeutic approach that combines behavioral therapy with peer support may be the best method for combating depression in adolescents.
References
Cheung, A.H., Emslie, GJ, Mayes, T.L. (2005, Jul). "Review of the efficacy and safety of antidepressants in youth depression." J. Child Psychiatry, 46(7): 735-54.
Gonzales-Tejera, G., Canino, G., Ramirez, R., Chaves, L., Shrout, P., Bird, H., Bravo,
M., Martinez-Taboas, A., Ribera, J., Bauermeister, J. (2005, Aug). "Examining minor and major depression in adolescents." J. Child Psychol Psychiatry, 46(8):888-99.
Haarasilta, L, Marttunen, M., Kaprio, J., Aro, H. (2005, Jul). "Major depressive...
Public Health, 19(1).
Holtmann, M., Bolte, S. Poutska, F. (2005, Jun). "Suicidality in depressive children and adolescents during treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors." Nervenarzt. 29(1).
Jacqueline, ML & Margo, T. (2005, Sep). "Group cognitive behavior therapy with family involvement for middle school age children with obsessive compulsive disorder: A pilot study." Child Psychiatry Hum Dev, 36(1): 113-127.
Kates, N. (2005, Aug). "Improving quality of primary care reduces depression and improves quality of life in adolescents." Evid-Based Mentl Health, 8(3):76.
Klein, DN, Dougherty, LR & Olino, TM. (2005, Sep). "Toward guidelines for evidence- based assessment of depression in children and adolescents." J. Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 34(3):412-32.
Laukkanen, E., Honkalampi, K., Hintikka, J., Lehtonen, J. (2005). "Suicidal ideation among help-seeking adolescents: association with a negative self-image." Arch Suicide Res, 9(1):45-55.
Nezami, E., Unger, J., Tan, S., Mahaffey, C., Ritt-Olson, A., Sussman, S., Nguyen-
Michel, S., Baezconde-Garbanati, L, Azen, S., Johnson, CA. (2005, Apr). "The influence of depressive symptoms on experimental smoking and intention to smoke in a diverse youth sample." Nicotine Tob Res, 7(2):243-8.
Richmond, T.K. & Rosen, D.S. (2005, Aug). "The treatment of adolescent depression in the era of the black box warning." Curr Opin Pediatr. 17(4):466-72.
Slimmer, L. (2005, Jul). "Adolescents' conceptualizations of depression affected their attitudes and decisions about treatment." Evid-Based Nurs, 8(3):93.
Waslick, B., Schoenholz, D, & Pizarro, R. (2003, Sep). "Diagnosis and treatment of chronic depression in children and adolescents." J. Psychatr…
