Depression in Adolescence

Abstract

Adolescence is a period characterized by ongoing brain development, making it more susceptible to the onset of depression. This life stage involves a heightened vulnerability to developing depressive symptoms. If not quickly addressed, an adolescent with depression will become an adult with depression because they go through different experiences that may challenge their mental health. This study aims to provide more knowledge for nurses on the importance of other methods of reducing symptoms of depression in adolescence besides medication, as emerging school-based and community-based social interventions have over the years shown some promise in reducing symptoms of depression besides medication, but this is less known to many nurses. A qualitative systematic literature review was used in this study, and eight articles were intensely analysed using content analysis. Psychotherapy alone is an effective treatment in adolescents with depression with no contraindications, unlike pharmacotherapy; the finding of this study agrees with already existing literature and shows that the first-line treatment for mild adolescent depression is psychotherapy. A stepwise treatment approach is recommended, starting with psychosocial interventions, and then accompanied by medication if symptoms persist. Though psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are recommended as a combined treatment of depression in general, it is also recommended that psychotherapy alone has been proven to be an effective treatment for mild cases. In contrast, psychotherapy in combination with pharmacotherapy for moderate to severe cases is recommended.