September 29, 2004

Adolescent depression clinic ready for clients

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Youths and their parents can get help for teen depression in the form of individual therapy at a new specialty clinic in Purdue University's Psychology Treatment and Research Clinics.

The Adolescent Depression Clinic, which opened this fall, specializes in short-term treatment consisting of approximately 10-14 sessions.

"There's been a lot of information released recently about adolescent depression, so we're on the cutting edge of responding to that need," said Mia Smith Bynum, assistant professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences. "Our goal is to help families and teens manage the unique challenges they face."

In September, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to encourage close observation of children using certain antidepressants for signs of worsening depression or possible suicide.

Clients at the Adolescent Depression Clinic will be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy, which was shown to be an effective treatment for teen depression in an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Bynum said. The treatment starts by identifying the root of the problem and teaches the child how that is connected to their emotional distress. The person can then learn strategies to react to the stress in a more positive manner.

The mid-level graduate students who run the clinic receive extensive training prior to meeting with clients. The clinic gives them face-to-face experience, and they can ensure quality service and improve their skills because they consult regularly with their supervisors about treatment, Bynum said. Therapists also work in consultation with the child's physician in cases where the child is taking an antidepressant.

Fees are determined on a sliding scale based on income.

The Purdue Psychology Treatment and Research Clinics are a group of six specialty clinics designed to deliver psychological treatment to the people of the Greater Lafayette community. Other clinics in the group specialize in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, child behavior problems and problem solving. For more information, call (765) 494-6996.

Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, news.writer@purdue.edu

Source: Mia Smith Bynum, (765) 496-2419, msbynum@psych.purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Related Web sites:
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

NIMH --Treatment of Adolescent Depression Study findings

NIMH -- General information about Depression in Children & Adolescents

FDA Antidepressant Use in Children, Adolescents and Adults

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