Guidelines for Adolescent Depression in Primary Care (GLAD-PC): Part I. Practice Preparation, Identification,...

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Medicine
• Primary Care Pediatrics
• Mental Health Services

Background:

• Adolescent depression is a significant public health concern requiring effective management strategies.
• Primary care settings are crucial for early identification and intervention in youth mental health.
• Shortage of mental health specialists necessitates enhanced primary care capacity for adolescent depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update clinical practice guidelines for primary care clinicians managing adolescent depression.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for practice preparation, identification, assessment, and initial management.
• To support primary care in addressing the growing need for adolescent mental health services.

Main Methods:

• Guidelines developed using a combination of evidence- and consensus-based methodologies.
• Expert steering committee involved clinicians, youth, and families with lived experience.
• Two-phase development incorporating scientific evidence and iterative revision.

Main Results:

• Updated guidelines cover youth aged 10–21 years for initial depression management phases.
• Recommendations include annual universal screening for youth 12+, systematic assessment using validated scales, and psychoeducation.
• Guidelines emphasize practice preparation, identification of at-risk youth, community links, and safety planning.

Conclusions:

• Guidelines aim to assist primary care clinicians in identifying and initially managing adolescent depression.
• Clinical judgment remains paramount; guidelines are a supplementary resource, not a sole source of guidance.
• Further research, including empirical testing of these guidelines, is needed for adolescent depression management in primary care.