Work

Unpacking adolescent depression: A narrative review from a transdiagnostic perspective using the dimensional RDoC framework

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Background Adolescent depression is a unique presentation that is highly heterogenous, yet few studies have utilized longitudinal multimodal assessment approaches to develop a lifespan-oriented view of the etiology, course, and severity of this condition. Consequently, diagnostic criteria for mood disturbances may disadvantage adolescents by overlooking key developmental factors relevant to depression risk, delaying access to early interventions. This narrative review examines transdiagnostic factors of adolescent psychopathology, including sleep health and its effects on brain development and functioning on biological and psychosocial levels. Building on this work, a novel and dimensional framework of adolescent depression is proposed in the context of relevant Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) systems. Methods This review is based on scientific peer-reviewed publications, identified via keyword searches from Google Scholar, PubMed, ProQuest, and Connected Papers. Results There is some evidence to support a bidirectional relationship between sleep health and risk of depression development in adolescents. Furthermore, hormonal changes during adolescence and genetic risk for developing depression may specifically influence neuronal architecture and functioning underlying depressive presentations. Limitations Participant samples of chosen studies varied in terms of adolescent age ranges, with data on adolescent depression and associated factors being largely correlational. Conclusions The reviewed literature provides support for a multimodal approach to characterize adolescent depression, yet few studies have utilized quantifiable, transdiagnostic constructs within the RDoC systems. Developmentally oriented methodological designs and constructs, such as pubertal timing, should be emphasized to tie underlying biological mechanisms and sleep health to adolescent risk and resilience over time.

Source: Journal of Affective Disorders Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2026.101129