New guidelines for managing depressed young in primary care

Guidelines for Adolescent Depression in Primary Care (GLAD-PC) include new guidance for primary care clinicians to aid in diagnosing and managing depression in children and adolescents aged 10 to 21.

* Universal depression screening is recommended annually for adolescents aged 12 and older.

* Initial management should include a safety plan, including limiting access to lethal medication and weapons, enlisting a third party, and establishing an emergency communication plan.

* For mild depression, clinicians can consider active support and monitoring for 6-8 weeks prior to treatment.

* For adolescents with moderate-to-severe depression or complicating factors like substance abuse, primary care clinicians should consider consulting with a mental health specialist.

* When appropriate, clinicians should recommend psychotherapies like cognitive behavioural therapy or interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents and/or antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.