Guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care (GLAD-PC): I. Identification, assessment, and initial management

Rachel A. Zuckerbrot, Amy H. Cheung, Peter S. Jensen, Ruth E K Stein, Danielle Laraque, Kareem Ghalib, Anthony Levitt, Boris Birmaher, John Campo, Greg Clarke, Dave Davis, Angela Diaz, Allen Dietrich, Graham Emslie, Bernard Ewigman, Eric Fombonne, Sherry Glied, Kimberly Eaton Hoagwood, Charles Homer, Miriam KaufmanKelly J. Kelleher, Stanley Kutcher, Michael Malus, James Perrin, Harold Pincus, Brenda Reiss-Brennan, Diane Sacks, Bruce Waslick, David Fassler, James McIntyre, Judy Garber, Vicky Wolfe, Johanne Renaud, Debbie Ebner, Stanford Friedman, Terry Stancin, Kathryn Salisbury, Michael Faenza, Susan Bergeson, Darcy Gruttadaro, Sandra Spencer, Elizabeth Hawkins-Walsh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

163 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES. To develop clinical practice guidelines to assist primary care clinicians in the management of adolescent depression. This first part of the guidelines addresses identification, assessment, and initial management of adolescent depression in primary care settings. METHODS. By using a combination of evidence- and consensus-based methodologies, guidelines were developed by an expert steering committee in 5 phases, as informed by (1) current scientific evidence (published and unpublished), (2) a series of focus groups, (3) a formal survey, (4) an expert consensus workshop, and (5) draft revision and iteration among members of the steering committee. RESULTS. Guidelines were developed for youth aged 10 to 21 years and correspond to initial phases of adolescent depression management in primary care, including identification of at-risk youth, assessment and diagnosis, and initial management. The strength of each recommendation and its evidence base are summarized. The identification, assessment, and initial management section of the guidelines includes recommendations for (1) identification of depression in youth at high risk, (2) systematic assessment procedures using reliable depression scales, patient and caregiver interviews, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria, (3) patient and family psychoeducation, (4) establishing relevant links in the community, and (5) the establishment of a safety plan. CONCLUSIONS. This part of the guidelines is intended to assist primary care clinicians in the identification and initial management of depressed adolescents in an era of great clinical need and a shortage of mental health specialists but cannot replace clinical judgment; these guidelines are not meant to be the sole source of guidance for adolescent depression management. Additional research that addresses the identification and initial management of depressed youth in primary care is needed, including empirical testing of these guidelines.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)e1299-e1312
JournalPediatrics
Volume120
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2007

Keywords

  • Depression
  • Guidelines
  • Primary care

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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