Depressive Disorders among Adolescents Managed in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

Abstract

Objective: The aims were to describe the prevalence and treatment of depressive disorders among case-managed adolescents attending a regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). Method: An observational study was conducted in a regional CAMHS over a 3-month period. Clinicians recorded treatment of their case-managed adolescents aged 12–18 years at the end of each calendar month. The Health of the Nation Outcome Scale for Children and Adolescents (HoNOSCA) and Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) were collected at the beginning of the study period or at entry into the service, and repeated at discharge from the service or at the conclusion of the study period. Adolescents also completed the Reynold's Adolescent Depression Scale, 2nd edition. Results: Depressive disorders were the most common clinician diagnosis reported (22%). There was no statistically significant difference in treatment for depressed compared to non-depressed adolescents. There was a statistically significant improvement in both the HoNOSCA scores (p < 0.001) and CGAS scores (p < 0.001) for the whole sample. Conclusion: Treatment appeared to be the same in type for depressed compared to non-depressed adolescents case managed within CAMHS.