Care pathway developed that can help manage teenage depression

Researchers have developed a care pathway and identified quality indicators to help deal with adolescent depression properly. A group of researchers led by R. Eric Lewandowski, Ph.D., of the New York University School of Medicine in New York City looked at pre existing clinical guidelines and research studies in order to develop a care pathway and quality indicator that will be helpful in managing depression in teenagers and for care respectively. The researchers identified the clinical practices for the adolescent depression management by synthesizing evidence. Quality indicators were developed for 11 measuring 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. "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.