Mood disorders in adolescents: diagnosis, treatment, and suicide assessment in the primary care setting

Marilia G Neves; Francesco Leanza

doi:10.1016/j.pop.2014.05.008

Mood disorders in adolescents: diagnosis, treatment, and suicide assessment in the primary care setting

Prim Care. 2014 Sep;41(3):587-606. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2014.05.008.

Authors

Marilia G Neves¹, Francesco Leanza²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1130 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA. Electronic address: Marilia.Neves1@mssm.edu.
² Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.

PMID: 25124208
DOI: 10.1016/j.pop.2014.05.008

Abstract

The primary care setting is considered the entry point of adolescents with mental illness in the health care system. This article informs primary care providers about the diagnostic features and differential of mood disorders in adolescents, screening and assessment, as well as evidence-based psychosocial and psychopharmacologic therapies. The article also provides a framework for decision making regarding initiating treatment in the primary care setting and referral to mental health services. Furthermore, the article highlights the importance of the collaboration between primary care and mental health providers to facilitate engagement of adolescents with mood disorders and adherence to treatment.

Keywords: Adolescent suicide; Assessment; Mood disorders; Pharmacologic interventions; Psychosocial interventions; Screening.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Bipolar Disorder / diagnosis
Depression / diagnosis
Depression / therapy
Female
Humans
Male
Mood Disorders / diagnosis*
Mood Disorders / therapy
Primary Health Care
Referral and Consultation
Risk Factors
Suicide Prevention*