Work

Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescence: A Brief Review of the Recent Treatment Literature

Year: 2003

Type: review

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Treating adolescents with depression remains a major clinical and public health challenge. Because of the serious morbidity and mortality associated with adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD), there is a need to review the published literature on treatment efficacy to establish effective treatment choices for these adolescents. METHOD: We reviewed the recent literature on the treatment of MDD in adolescents using the Medline and PsycINFO computerized databases. RESULTS: Results of open studies of MDD treatment in adolescents suggested therapeutic efficacy; however, later, better-controlled studies are more difficult to interpret, owing to the high rate of improvement with placebo. Currently, there is limited evidence of robust, effective therapeutic interventions in children and in adolescent depressive disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Despite limitations, current findings from studies investigating selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), cognitive-behavioural therapy, and interpersonal therapy generally support these treatments as safe and effective for adolescent MDD. Still, further investigations into these treatments for adolescent depression are warranted.

Source: The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1177/070674370304800906

Authors: Robert Milin, Selena Walker, Joy Chow

Institutions: University of Ottawa, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre

Language: English

Topic: Treatment of Major Depression

Subfield: Pharmacology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: University of Ottawa