Depression

At least three months of CBT is recommended as a first-line treatment for moderate to severe depression in adolescents in the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline – Depression in children and young people: Identification and management that covers the management of depressive disorders among 5-18 year olds.1 It is also recommended for persistent mild depression that is unresponsive to lower intensity treatments (group CBT, non‑directed supported therapy, or guided self-help).

This clinical practice guide covers best practice in the assessment and management of depression in young people (aged 12-25 years) as outlined in the relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK) guidelines. The content aligns to the current diagnostic classifications of depressive disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases– 10th Revision (ICD-10). The focus is on assessing and managing major depressive disorder (MDD), persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), and complex depression in young people.

Assessing and managing ongoing suicidality can be a particularly daunting task for clinicians. There is the need to balance issues regarding confidentiality and duty of care, while maintaining engagement and rapport, as well as undertaking ongoing self-management planning to manage suicidality and providing appropriate psychosocial interventions.