INTRODUCTION: Little is known about how adolescents receive depression follow-up in primary care. The purpose of this study was to describe the rates of symptom assessment and depression treatment over time in a group of adolescents screening positive for moderate or severe depression in the primary care setting. METHODS: Retrospective chart reviews were conducted to gather information related to symptom reassessments, antidepressant prescriptions, psychotherapy referrals, and treatment discontinuation. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a qualitative content analysis was conducted to determine the reasons for treatment discontinuation. RESULTS: Eighty records were reviewed (mean age = 15.3, 73% female, 59% Black). Treatment was initiated for 83% (n = 66) of patients, and 45% (n = 30) of patients discontinued treatment during the review period for a variety of reasons. DISCUSSION: To improve adolescents' adherence to depression treatment, providers should address factors that contribute to treatment discontinuation and use tools to manage depression follow-up care.
INTRODUCTION: Little is known about how adolescents receive depression follow-up in primary care. The purpose of this study was to describe the rates of symptom assessment and depression treatment over time in a group of adolescents screening positive for moderate or severe depression in the primary care setting. METHODS: Retrospective chart reviews were conducted to gather information related to symptom reassessments, antidepressant prescriptions, psychotherapy referrals, and treatment discontinuation. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a qualitative content analysis was conducted to determine the reasons for treatment discontinuation. RESULTS: Eighty records were reviewed (mean age = 15.3, 73% female, 59% Black). Treatment was initiated for 83% (n = 66) of patients, and 45% (n = 30) of patients discontinued treatment during the review period for a variety of reasons. DISCUSSION: To improve adolescents' adherence to depression treatment, providers should address factors that contribute to treatment discontinuation and use tools to manage depression follow-up care.
Authors: Alexander Häge; Lisa Weymann; Lucia Bliznak; Viktoria Märker; Konstantin Mechler; Ralf W Dittmann Journal: Z Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother Date: 2016-12-07
Authors: Magenta B Simmons; Aurora Elmes; Joanne E McKenzie; Lyndal Trevena; Sarah E Hetrick Journal: Health Expect Date: 2016-10-17 Impact factor: 3.377