Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for child and adolescent depression.
The evidence-base of psychosocial treatment outcome studies for depressed youth conducted since 1998 is examined. All studies for depressed children meet Nathan and Gorman's (2002) criteria for Type 2 studies whereas the adolescent protocols meet criteria for both Type 1 and Type 2 studies. Based on the Task Force on the Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures guidelines, the cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) based specific programs of Penn Prevention Program, Self-Control Therapy, and Coping with Depression-Adolescent are probably efficacious. Interpersonal Therapy-Adolescent, which falls under the theoretical category of interpersonal therapy (IPT), also is a probably efficacious treatment. CBT provided through the modalities of child group only and child group plus parent components are well-established intervention approaches for depressed children. For adolescents, two modalities are well-established (CBT adolescent only group, IPT individual), and three are probably efficacious (CBT adolescent group plus parent component, CBT individual, CBT individual plus parent/family component). From the broad theoretical level, CBT has well-established efficacy and behavior therapy meets criteria for a probably efficacious intervention for childhood depression. For adolescent depression, both CBT and IPT have well-established efficacy. Future research directions and best practices are offered.
David-Ferdon
Corinne
C
Emory University School of Medicine, USA. cferdon@cdc.gov
Kaslow
Nadine J
NJ
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome