Discussion 2: Depression And Suicide Intervention When Worki

Discussion 2 Depression And Suicide Interventionwhen Working With Ado

Discussion 2: Depression and Suicide Intervention When working with adolescents you will likely be faced with issues of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and even attempts. For youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). It is essential to understand the risks associated with teen suicide and intervention strategies to address this issue. Respond to colleagues who identified a different client and provide feedback and/or support. Support your responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Support your responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

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Adolescent depression and suicidal ideation represent critical challenges in mental health that require prompt and effective interventions. The prevalence of depression among youths aged 10 to 24 underscores the urgency for mental health professionals to employ evidence-based strategies tailored to the developmental and emotional needs of this population. Utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family-centered interventions has proven effective in reducing depressive symptoms and mitigating suicide risk among adolescents.

Research indicates that adolescent depression often remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, with approximately 75% of affected teenagers not receiving appropriate care (LeCroy & Williams, 2013). Untreated depression can lead to adverse outcomes, including poor academic performance, social withdrawal, substance abuse, and an increased risk of suicide (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). Therefore, early identification through screening tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is imperative for timely intervention. The PHQ-9 is a validated instrument that assesses depressive symptom severity and helps clinicians determine the necessity for further mental health assessment or treatment (Maurer, 2012).

One compelling case exemplifies the need for trauma-informed, evidence-based intervention strategies. Tiffani, a 16-year-old girl, experienced a series of traumatic events, including neglect, sexual abuse, and exposure to substance use within her family. She exhibits signs of depression, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation, perceiving her abuser, Donald, as an affectionate protector, which underscores her distorted cognitive perceptions resulting from her traumatic history (Paschall & Bersamin, 2018). Addressing her complex needs requires a comprehensive approach rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists adolescents in recognizing and restructuring dysfunctional thought patterns, which can alleviate depressive symptoms and reduce the likelihood of suicidal thoughts (Labelle et al., 2015).

In her case, a multi-modal intervention strategy would involve individual CBT to help her process traumatic memories and challenge distorted beliefs about herself and her relationships. Additionally, family therapy could be instrumental in repairing strained familial relationships and creating a supportive environment conducive to recovery. Community resources, such as case management for housing stability and social skills training, would further support her reintegration into a healthy social and educational setting (Ruffolo & Allen-Meares, 2013).

Similarly, Brady, a 15-year-old male who lost his mother and encounters problematic interactions with his father, presents risk factors for depression and suicidal ideation. His impulsivity, irritability, and strained family relationships necessitate an integrated intervention approach. Applying the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) can quantify the severity of his depressive symptoms, while Systemic Behavior Family Therapy (SBFT) can address dysfunctional family dynamics and improve communication (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014).

SBFT emphasizes understanding and restructuring family roles and interactions to promote resilience and stability. For Brady, this would involve sessions focusing on enhancing emotional connectivity with his father, addressing anger management, and developing adaptive coping skills. CBT can be introduced to assist him in recognizing negative thought patterns related to his grief and anger, providing healthier outlets for expression. The combined use of these interventions addresses both individual and systemic factors contributing to his risk profile, ultimately reducing the probability of depression and suicidal thoughts (Turner, 2017).

In conclusion, adolescent depression and suicide are complex phenomena requiring a multi-dimensional intervention approach. Evidence-based strategies such as CBT, family therapy, and comprehensive screening tools are critical in identifying at-risk youths and providing them with effective treatment. Tailoring interventions to the developmental stage, trauma history, and familial context enhances the likelihood of positive outcomes, reducing the rates of depression and suicide among adolescents.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Suicide prevention: Youth suicide. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
  • Labelle, R., Pouliot, L., & Janelle, A. (2015). A systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive behavioural treatments for suicidal and self-harm behaviours in adolescents. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie Canadienne, 56(4), 368–378.
  • LeCroy, C. W., & Williams, L. R. (2013). Intervention with adolescents. In M. Holosko, C. Dulmus, & K. Sowers (Eds.), Social work practice with individuals and families: Evidence-informed assessments and interventions (pp. 97–124). Wiley.
  • Maurer, Douglas. (2012). Screening for depression. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org
  • Paschall, M. J., & Bersamin, M. (2018). School-Based Health Centers, Depression, and Suicide Risk Among Adolescents. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(1), 44–50.
  • Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (2014). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Laureate International Universities Publishing.
  • Ruffolo, M., & Allen-Meares, P. (2013). Intervention with children. In M. J. Holosko, C. Dulmus, & K. Sowers (Eds.), Social work practice with individuals and families: Evidence-informed assessments and interventions (pp. 41–69). Wiley.
  • Turner, F. J. (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (6th ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • Van Gerpen, S., Vik, T., & Soundy, T. J. (2020). Assessing adolescent suicide risk. South Dakota Medicine, 73(2), 82-86.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). National Center for Health Statistics.

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