Main description:

First symptoms of depression often occur during teenage years, and it can be a disturbing and confusing time for families as well as the teenager themselves. How can you tell whether it's just typical teenage ups and downs that will pass, or something more serious? How can we reliably identify and support teenagers with depression?Experienced clinician and researcher Gordon Parker explains how to systematically identify different mood disorders and contributing factors. He and co-author Kerrie Eyers explain when clinical treatment is required and outline treatment options. They also discuss the particular challenges faced by adolescents and approaches to effective management.Drawing on insightful personal accounts from teenagers and young adults about their experiences, and based on extensive clinical research, this is an essential handbook for every parent, carer or professional looking after a young person with depression.'At last, a sensible, well-written and incisive description of the most common psychiatric disorder in young people: depression.'Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, prominent adolescent psychologist and author 'A "must" read for parents and for professionals.'
Professor Sir Michael Rutter, Institute of Psychiatry, London'It's a map to the maze for us as we attempt to understand the journey we are required to take with the one we love.'Parent www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Contents:

FOREWORDChapter 1. Navigating The Maze: Three Stories of Teenage DepressionChapter 2. Background Stresses: Teenagers Shoulder Some Heavy BaggageChapter 3. What Depression Feels Like: Young People Describe Its EffectsChapter 4. Getting To Assessment: Some Ways To Overcome Teenage ReluctanceChapter 5. Making The Diagnosis: Guidelines For A Systematic ApproachChapter 6. The Assessment Report: And How Teenagers Adjust To The DiagnosisChapter 7. A Quick Look at Treatment and Management: And The Impact Of Personality StyleChapter 8. Maintaining Good Mental Health: Tips From Teens And Their SupportersAppendix I. Examining The Use And Effectiveness Of Antidepressants In TeensAppendix II. Assessing The Risk of Harm In Teenagers With DepressionAppendix III. Teenagers Share Their Most Effective Wellbeing StrategiesAppendix IV. The Mood Assessment Program (MAP)GlossaryNotesIndex