How to diagnose and manage depression in adolescents: A new review for clinicians

How do you diagnose and manage depression in adolescents? A new review published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) aims to help primary care clinicians address this increasingly common, yet under-detected condition, in teenagers.

"Although more than 40% of people with depression experience onset before adulthood, depression remains undetected in many adolescents in Canada, and most are untreated," writes Dr. Daphne Korczak, a psychiatrist with the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, with co-authors. "Clinicians consistently report a lack of confidence in their ability to care for adolescents with depression."

The prevalence of depression in adolescents increases with age and is linked to poorer physical and mental health in adulthood. Pre-pandemic estimates were that depression affected 13%–15% of teens, but a recent study found that about 1 in 4 youths had symptoms of depression during the pandemic.

The review is based on the latest evidence and clinical practice guidelines from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Key topics:

• Diagnosis—irritability and sad or depressed mood, fatigue, sleep disturbance, decreased enjoyment of activities and difficulty concentrating in adolescents may indicate depression.
• Screening—although more research about universal screening for adolescent depression in primary care is needed, it may be appropriate in some cases. Clinicians should use a validated screening tool and recognize that screening does not replace a diagnostic assessment.
• Management—a multifaceted approach is required and may include addressing health behaviors, psychotherapy and medication as well as addressing underlying stressors.

More than 60% of adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) also have at least one other mental health condition, such as anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and learning disorders. These can make it more challenging to diagnose and treat depression, as some symptoms overlap and physical health conditions can mimic symptoms of depression.

"Depression is an increasingly common but treatable condition among adolescents. Primary care physicians and pediatricians are well positioned to support the assessment and first-line management of depression in this group, helping patients to regain their health and function," write the authors.

They state that future research is needed to address unanswered questions, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression, whether universal screening improves outcomes, and how to best personalize depression treatment to optimize effectiveness.