Depression/Dysthymia - Interventions for Adolescents

Effective Therapies for Depression

"Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) currently has the most research support as a treatment for children and adolescents with depression. Research supporting treatments for adolescents is stronger than the studies available on treatments for children.

In children and adolescents who have moderate to severe depression, it may be helpful to try medication, such as antidepressants."
https://effectivechildtherapy.org/concerns-symptoms-disorders/disorders/sadness-hopelessness-and-depression/#effective-treatments

Depression/Dysthymia - Interventions for Adolescents

What Works

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT for depression focuses on identifying thought and behavioral patterns that

provided in a group setting

lead to or maintain the problematic symptoms.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

In IPT, the therapist and patient address the adolescent’s interpersonal

provided individually

communication skills, interpersonal conflicts, and family relationship problems.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake

Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Fontex) and Escitalopram (Lexapro). Most

Inhibitors (SSRIs)

effective when combined with CBT although there is debate about the use of

SSRIs to treat depression in youth.

What Seems to Work

CBT provided in a group or individual setting with a parent/family component

Adolescent Coping with Depression (CWD-A)

Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (IPT-A)

CBT for depression focuses on identifying thought and behavioral patterns that lead to or maintain the problematic symptoms.

Includes practicing relaxation and addressing maladaptive patterns in thinking, as well as scheduling pleasant activities and learning communication and conflict resolution skills.

Addresses the adolescent’s specific interpersonal relationships and conflicts, and helps the adolescent be more effective in his or her relationships with others.