Adolescent Depression Best Therapeutic Treatment

Adolescent Depression

Best Therapeutic Treatment for Adolescents

More and more studies support treatment for depression in adolescents to prevent adult formation of chronic or major depression (Jacqueline & Margo, 2005; Laukkanen, et. al, 2005; Nezami, et. al, 2005). Left untreated, minor depression during adolescence can lead to serious and debilitating consequences later in life. Current research supports the use of cognitive based approaches rather than drug based approaches as the first line of defense for adolescence, especially given reports of bad side effects from antidepressant use among adolescence. The researcher proposes that behavioral based approaches combined with peer support groups may help eliminate depression among adolescents, when participants are adequately screened and evaluated.

Treatment Proposition Adolescents With Depression

The results of the study suggest a new approach can be effectively adopted that supports behavioral therapy as the primary mode of treating depression in children. In addition the author proposes teaching adolescents a positive way to describe their symptoms and disease to prevent unnecessary negative self-image and encourage them to focus on their recovery. This process must include a detailed medical evaluation and history and understanding of the issues contributing to minor depression in adolescents. Support for this approach is provided below.

Support For Non-Medication Approach In Adolescents pilot study conducted by Jacqueline and Margo (2005) suggests that cognitive behavior therapy may be especially useful for children in the middle school age group. Kates (2005) suggests that improvement in the quality of primary care adolescents receive will ultimately improve their quality of life and decrease their risk for depression (76).

Self-image is also an important facet of adolescent behavior that may lead to depressive tendencies or suicidal ideation. Studies confirm that suicidal ideation and depression are more common among adolescents with a negative self-image or self-perception (Laukkanen, et. al, 2005).

Still others studies suggest a link between smoking and depression (Nezami, et. al, 2005). Adolescents that smoke are more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms, regardless of other sociodemographic or ethnic variables (Nezami, et. al, 2005). An adequate medical history and patient intake may help counselors discover what patients are prone to smoking and whether this smoking has contributed to or is a side effect of depression.

Gonzalez-Tejera, et. al (2005) find that may adolescents with symptoms of depression do not meet the diagnostic criteria established by the DMS-IV for depression. Their studies suggest that minor depression in adolescents is important because it may relate to major depression in adulthood. The studies simply confirm a need to better evaluate the validity of DSM IV diagnostic protocol for depression in adolescents.

Multiple studies now suggest the dangers associated with SSRI use in adolescents (Holtmann, Bolte & Poustka, 2005). Many of the studies suggest a link between anti-depressant use and increased risk for suicide among adolescents. Because of this it is important that caregivers develop new approaches to combating minor depression in children and adolescents that do not involve anti-depressive medication as the first line of defense.

Haarasilta, Marttunen, Kaprio & Aro (2005) suggest that teens with chronic illnesses are more likely to develop depression or have depression. 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).