Preventing Depression in Adolescents With Depressed Parents: Insights From Randomized Controlled Trials and Parenting...

Childhood abuse in adolescents has long been linked to an elevated likelihood of harmful consequences in both adolescence and adulthood. Externalizing behavior disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are among the most common reasons children and adolescents are referred for mental health care. Another common illness among children and teenagers is depression. Among the principal risk factors for young people acquiring depression is parental depression. Besides genetic heredity, a variety of changeable psychological and social variables, such as a negative thinking style, paternal emotions, and uneven parenting behaviors, might increase the likelihood of depression in this population. The development of preventative therapies aimed at addressing these health risks has generally focused on psycho-educational components, teaching kids regarding parental depression and/or cognitive-behavioral components meant to boost their psychological fortitude. The initial effects of preventive therapies for adolescents with depressed parents tend to be strongest immediately after intervention but may diminish over time. Treatments created to break this loop offer help and knowledge to expectant mothers who are more likely to face challenges with parenting.