The Family's Role in Adolescent Depression and Treatment

Abstract

This paper explores the current evidence for family factors in the onset, maintenance and treatment of adolescent depression. Empirical studies are reviewed and research evidence for the use of family therapy interventions is examined. While only a few randomized studies exist that contrast the efficacy of family treatment over other approaches, there is nevertheless a widely held clinical opinion that families should be integrated into the therapeutic plan with this population. This paper attempts to bridge the gap between our current knowledge of family factors associated with adolescent depression and the paucity of family therapy outcome studies. It advances a position of using a family-oriented approach to treat adolescent depression despite the current gap in studies that might otherwise validate its efficacy.

Key Words:

• Adolescence
• depression
• family therapy
• empirical studies
• adolescent treatment