Adolescents' perspectives on treatments for depression: A qualitative study

Major depressive disorder is one of the most common psychological disorders affecting teens. However, most teens do not receive treatment for depression, and one reason may be because teens' attitudes towards available treatments. Therefore, it is important to understand how teens perceive commonly used treatments for depression including individual psychotherapy, group therapy, medication management, as well as other coping skills for depression.

Twenty-two teens participated in focus groups (n=14) and individual qualitative interviews (n=8) asking about their beliefs and perceptions of treatments for depression. Applied thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.

Teens were generally familiar with individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and coping skills for depression. Teens generally believed these were helpful and legitimate treatment modalities. Teens voiced concerns about the context of group therapy, and generally preferred to be in groups with non-previously known teens. Teens believed that decisions regarding treatment for depression should be made in collaboration with parents/guardians.

Overall, depressed teens are familiar with treatment options available for depression, and their willingness to try treatment is impacted by parental and peer beliefs about mental health and treatment.