Treatment for Adolescent Depression

Adolescence is typically a time of great angst and drama, as somber-faced teens attempt to express their individuality and rebel against the "oppressive" adults in their lives. However, there is a tremendous difference between an adolescent who is distressed about an early curfew or a broken relationship and one whose entire existence is engulfed in perpetual sadness and hopelessness. According to Depression Guide, severe depression affects four in every 100 adolescents, and girls are twice as likely to be affected as boys. Adolescent depression is a serious and often lethal disorder, as depressed teens are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol and to attempt suicide. If you suspect that your adolescent is depressed, immediate professional treatment is mandatory. Fortunately, there are many options available.

Drug Therapy

• Drug therapy is typically a first-line treatment for adolescent depression. Medication alleviates depression symptoms and helps the patient to be more receptive to other therapies. According to Depression Guide, research shows that adolescents generally respond more favorably to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft, rather than antidepressants from older medication classes. However, even SSRIs have the potential to cause serious side effects, including suicidal behavior, especially in young people. It is important that if your child is taking any type of antidepressant that she be carefully monitored by her doctor, family and friends for warning signs like talk of death or suicide, or the giving away of possessions.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

• According to Psych Central, cognitive-behavioral therapy does not focus on the cause behind the depressive state, but rather what your adolescent can do to move forward and pull himself out of it. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, according to About Teen Depression, is based on the theory that your adolescent's emotional wellness is dependent on his view of himself, the world and his place in the world. Working from the premise that depression is exacerbated by negative thoughts, pessimism and reactive behaviors, the mental health practitioner will strive to help your adolescent change his thinking pattern and associated behaviors. This type of therapy is typically short-term.

Interpersonal Therapy

• Interpersonal therapy (IPT), according to Depression Guide, is a short-term therapy that has proved to be successful in treating depressed adolescents. Based on the theory that stable social support is imperative to good mental health, IPT focuses specifically on helping your adolescent improve existing relationships and cultivate new, healthy relationships. The mental health practitioner will endeavor to help your adolescent communicate effectively, improve social skills, cope with loss, stress and rejection, and appropriately express emotions.

Basic Psychotherapy

• Psychotherapy, according to Depression Guide, is a potentially long-term therapy that provides a safe environment for your adolescent to freely express her feelings and fears and to talk about past and present events that are painful or troubling. The role of the mental health practitioner is to provide patient listening, act as a sounding board and help your adolescent cope with emotions and problems as they are recalled or arise.

Group or Family Therapy

• About Teen Depression suggests that group therapy is often an effective alternative for adolescents because it provides a less-threatening, relaxed environment with other adolescents facing similar difficulties. In this amenable atmosphere, participants are free to move about, refreshments may be served and your adolescent may be encouraged to contact his therapist in between meetings if he feels so inclined. Family therapy, often effectively used to supplement group therapy, is especially helpful if the source of your adolescent's depression originates at home. It also helps parents and siblings better understand depression, therefore making them more capable of offering support.

Self-Help

• Lifestyle improvements, according to Depression Guide, are an effective complement to professional therapy and are actually quite important in overcoming the symptoms of depression. Some positive lifestyle practices include a healthy diet, exercise, sufficient sleep, participation in positive social and personal activities, and keeping a journal that chronicles daily events and associated emotions.