Adolescent depression is a much more common diagnosis than many might imagine. Information from UT Southwestern Medical Center warns that most parents do not realize that even mild adolescent depression can lead to serious, and possibly self-abusive, behavioral problems. However, a number of approaches exist to address depression in teens.
Individual Therapy
Individual counseling programs, notably interpersonal psychotherapy, involves a therapist talking to the teen about feelings. The therapist is often a physician, counselor or qualified mental heath professional. She can help by trying to uncover what is causing the depression. Cognitive behavioral therapists helps teach adolescents healthy ways of thinking. As UT Southwestern Medical Center explains, therapy is an important part of treatment for teen depression. Individual therapy has an advantage in that it can be tailored to suit the individual.
Medication
When depression is so bad that it interferes with daily life, medication in conjunction with therapy might be necessary. The effects of an antidepressant are often not noticable until several weeks, so teens may feel frustrated at the beginning that the depression has not improved. The Health Tree website warns that antidepressants may increase the risk of teenage suicidal thoughts or actions. Because of this increased risk of teenage suicide, it recommends that teens beginning to take antidepressants should be monitored closely.
Family and Group Therapy
Finding a trusted person to communicate is key to an effective program for depressed teens. These programs may include family therapy where parents can give support by seeking counseling together with the teen. Group therapy, which is led by a facilitator, offers teens a platform to share feelings and ideas. Other trusted persons could include a religious leader or a school counselor. However, as the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry emphasizes, anyone, whether a parent or friend, who expresses concern for the teen in question demonstrates the care needed.
Outpatient and Residential Treatment
Individual, group or family therapy may take place through various outpatient programs. Therapeutic boarding schools allow teens to continue their education in a structured, nurturing environment away from home. Adolescent residential treatment centers often offer programs that are multifaceted in that cognitive behavioral therapy, alternative therapies or healthy lifestyle therapies may be available. The website Family First Aid advises that these programs are most effective for teen depression that has not been treatable by other methods such as individual and family counseling.
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