Adolescent Depression and Intervention

[Name of Author]

[Name of Institute]

Adolescent Depression and Intervention

Introduction

Depression amongst the adolescent has become pandemic in the United States. Statistics show that out of every five adolescents at least one suffers from depressions (Brent & Birmaher, 2002). The article “Into the Wilderness - A Case Study: The Psychodynamics of Adolescent Depression and the Need for a Holistic Intervention” written by Christine Lynn Norton, examines the roots of this depression in adolescents. The perspective used in this research is a pure psychodynamic one and it also recognizes the correlation between the depressions with conflicts that remain unresolved, the issues related with separation or independence, the search for individual identity and the development of being the true self. This article is a further representation of the interventions which are holistic in approach and can be utilized in addressing the intrapsychic, relational factors and developmental that cause adolescent depression.

The gap in the treatment of adolescents is quiet disturbing. If depression remains untreated it can result in serious problems later on in life. Many times, depression has resulted in suicide as well. Those adolescent who suffer from depression illnesses have a higher rates of suicidal thinking. In the year 2000 alone, a report showed that a total of three million people aged between twelve and seventeen either had serious intentions for suicides or attempted to do it. Since then, the suicidal rates amongst adolescents have increased at an alarming rate of 200 per cent over the last decade (Borowsky et al. 2001). These suicides are a result of untreated clinical depression and they have also faced serious difficulties in life relating to studies, work and in personal relationships (Weersing et al., 2008).

Methods

Wilderness therapy is a pattern of treatments related to mental health. These treatments are done outdoors and use the challenges fully along with adventures and group work. Wilderness Therapy also takes into account the structured clinical interventions that have been developed from the beginning. Clinical case studies presents that this therapy is very useful and effective and helps the depressed adolescence to cope with stress and develop a positive image of one. This further discusses the limitations and connotations for social work practice.

Results

Rollo May defines depression as the inability to construct a future and for many adolescents this is a reality. Depression in adolescents has become scourge in the United States and the statistics show that one out of every five adolescent suffers from depression. The World Health Organization has shown that the disabilities caused in people aged from fifteen to forty-four are because of depression (World Health Organization 2009). Although this adolescent depression now prevails in the society and has become quite common, there still has not been any work done for the treatments. Treatments are available but only to a small extent which is not reachable to all. The mental health of children and adolescents has been affected but there are no providers to cure these affects (Koplewicz, 2002).

Depression amongst the adolescent has become pandemic in ...