Care pathway proposed for adolescent depression

(HealthDay)—Researchers have gathered evidence, developed a care pathway, and identified quality indicators (QIs) for the management of adolescent depression, according to a special article published online Sept. 16 in Pediatrics.

R. Eric Lewandowski, Ph.D., of the New York University School of Medicine in New York City, and colleagues reviewed clinical practice guidelines and the research literature to develop a care pathway for management of adolescent depression and QIs for care.

The researchers found and synthesized evidence to identify recommended clinical practices for the management of adolescent depression. QIs were developed for 11 measure concepts: screening; assessment to confirm diagnosis; assessment of suicide risk; brief supportive counseling; initiation of treatment; communication and documentation; adequacy of treatment with antidepressant medication; adequacy of treatment with psychotherapy; symptom reassessment; remission; and treatment adjustment. The care pathway and QIs were reviewed by expert panels.

"This report presents evidence to support a care pathway and QIs for adolescent depression, a research agenda to strengthen the evidence base, and provides direction for clinical practice based on current evidence," the authors write.