Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescents
A mental illness known as major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by enduring sadness, despair, and disinterest in activities. It can significantly impair daily functioning and affect relationships, work, and overall quality of life. MDD symptoms can show through changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and difficulty making decisions (Chen et al., 2024). It is a condition that is diagnosed based on the presence of symptoms lasting two or more weeks. Treatment of MDD is most frequently implemented as a combined approach that consists of sorts of therapy, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments to address each person’s condition more individually.
Pharmacological Management of Depression in Adolescents
Pharmacological management of adolescent depression remains primary on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram (Lexapro) prescription, which is FDA-approved for adolescents who are 12 years old and above. The action of SSRIs stems from the fact that they increase serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter closely linked to mood regulation in the brain (Ślifirski et al., 2021). Other SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) are commonly prescribed off-label for adolescents with depression. Additionally, different classes of antidepressants, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and atypical antidepressants, may be considered if SSRIs are ineffective or not well-tolerated. However, support from medication should be established with counseling, where a competent healthcare provider looks after the patient to avoid any unwanted effects and reflects on a treatment plan that considers the individual’s needs.
The Use of Escitalopram in Adolescent Depression
Escitalopram, an SSRI known as Lexapro, is usually prescribed for adolescent depression due to its efficiency and safety. It is responsible for this by contributing to the amount of serotonin in the brain, which regulates mood. Applying Escitalopram in the treatment of adolescents is effective as it helps in the relief of symptoms of depression like persistent and natural sadness, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of hopelessness in different instances(Taha et al., 2024). Similarly, it may contribute to bettering a range of performance factors, including energy levels, sleep, and focus. Additionally, it acts as a natural support system for good functioning. Escitalopram is usually administered orally, and the doses are adjusted based on the person’s age, weight, and circulating level of anger. It is generally recognized as a priority treatment for adolescent depression, particularly for treatment modalities for which therapy could be thought to be inadequate or not easily applicable. Nevertheless, Escitalopram – like any drug- can have side effects such as nausea, headache, and change in weight or appetite, which should be consciousness and possibly solved by a healthcare provider.
Non-Pharmacological Management of Depression in Adolescents
The non-pharmacologic management offered to adolescents with depression includes many different approaches, all aimed at addressing the psychological, social, and lifestyle-related factors that contribute to their state. CBT, which is a commonly used method, helps adolescents to identify and challenge unproductive thought patterns and to develop coping skills to manage their symptoms. Interpersonal therapy (IPT )addresses problems, including conflicts, and enhances the social support network between individual and person by improving communication and relationship skills (Rose-Clarke et al., 2020). In family therapy, the whole family is involved in enhancing communication, resolving disputes, and assisting the adolescent’s healing. In the same manner, regular physical activity, ranging from exercise routines such as playing a sport, has the potential to overcome feelings of sadness and other symptoms of depression by releasing endorphins that bring euphoric sensations and subsequently dissipate the stress. Also, as key determinants of good health status, good nutrition, enough sleep, and relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and stress exercises should equally be applied by adolescents to control depression.
References
Chen, M.-H., Bai, Y.-M., Hsu, J.-W., Huang, K.-L., & Tsai, S.-J. (2024). Proinflammatory cytokine levels, cognitive function, and suicidal symptoms of adolescents and young adults with major depressive disorder. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-024-01780-5
Rose-Clarke, K., Pradhan, I., Shrestha, P., B.K., P., Magar, J., Luitel, N. P., Devakumar, D., Rafaeli, A. K., Clougherty, K., Kohrt, B. A., Jordans, M. J. D., & Verdeli, H. (2020). Culturally and developmentally adapting group interpersonal therapy for adolescents with depression in rural Nepal. BMC Psychology, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-020-00452-y
Ślifirski, G., Król, M., & Turło, J. (2021). 5-HT Receptors and the Development of New Antidepressants. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(16), 9015. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22169015
Taha, M. J. J., Alrubasy, W. A., Sameer, S. K., Essam, B., Abuawwad, M. T., Hassan, A. M. Z., Darwish, M. R., Ahmed, Y. E., Shebl, M. A., Krikar, M. E., Gadallah, A. E., AbdelKhalek, K., & Nashwan, A. J. (2024, January 3). The effectiveness of using Escitalopram in pediatric generalized anxiety disorder and the methods to predict the treatment response: A systematic review and meta-analysis. F1000research.com. https://f1000research.com/articles/13-2
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Question 
What is MDD
What is the pharmacological management of depression in adolescents, any FDA-approved medication for depression in adolescents?
Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescents
The use of Escitalopram in adolescent depression
What is the non -non-pharmacological management of depression in adolescents?