Recognizing and Managing Adolescent Depression

Course overview

This course presents a comprehensive review of up-to-date guidelines and evidence-based practices for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of depression among adolescents. Beginning with a brief overview of adolescence and the developmental tasks of this critical period, the course delves into epidemiological data to highlight the widespread impact of this potentially debilitating disorder. The review outlines diagnostic criteria, common presentations, risk factors, and co-morbidities, and thoroughly examines pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic evidence-based treatments. Clinical vignettes are incorporated throughout the paper. An emphasis on multidisciplinary team involvement illustrates the vital role of interprofessional collaboration in achieving optimal patient outcomes.