Major Depression

Abstract:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the more frequent disorders of adolescence and also occurs among children. In addition to the character and fitness necessary for any clinical work, clinicians who work with depressed adolescents must be competent in the areas of knowledge, assessment and treatment for this disorder. We describe basic and advanced competencies across these domains. Currently there are two evidence-based psychological interventions for adolescent depression, Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Basic competencies include knowledge of these interventions, of their evidence-base, and of their limitations. Associated basic assessment competencies include the skills required to conduct assessments to determine accurate diagnosis, to take into account possible co-occurring disorders, and to formulate an effective treatment plan. As clinicians move from more basic to more advanced competencies, they develop knowledge