Psychologische Interventionen bei Depressionen im Jugendalter

Depressive disorders are only slightly less prevalent in adolescents than in adults. Depression in adolescence is not a transient condition, but is associated with psychosocial deficits. Given this negative sequela, it would be beneficial to have effective treatments. While lagging behind, the psychological treatment of adolescent depression has become a very active area. We have now several intervention programs available which show great overlap and include ‘cognitive techniques’, ‘family orientation’; behavioral techniques and educational elements. The purpose of this report is to bring this literature to the attention of clinicians and to summarize the key features of these interventions. In addition, the article also addresses areas with limited knowledge, future developments and further applications. Results of a meta-analysis of all available treatment studies with depressed adolescents are presented and lead to the conclusion that greater adoption and use of these (cognitive-behavioral) interventions of depressed adolescents is justified and quite promising.