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Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research

Published in:

01-03-2006

What Teens Want: Barriers to Seeking Care for Depression

Authors: Jennifer P. Wisdom, Gregory N. Clarke, Carla A. Green

Published in: Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research | Issue 2/2006

Abstract

This study examined the experiences of teenagers seeking and receiving care for depression from primary care providers. We investigated teens’ perceived barriers in obtaining care to determine how primary care can effectively address depressed teens’ stated needs. In-depth individual (n = 15) and focus group (n = 7) interviews with adolescents were conducted and analyzed using grounded theory and prominent themes were identified. Teenagers reported faring best when providers actively considered and reflected upon the teenagers’ developmentally appropriate desires to be normal, to feel connected, and to be autous. These goals are achieved by providers establishing rapport, exchanging information about depression etiology and treatment, and helping teens make decisions about their treatment. To the extent that providers improve efforts to help teens feel normal, autonomous, and connected, the teens report they are more likely to accept treatment for depression and report success in treatment.

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Title: What Teens Want: Barriers to Seeking Care for Depression
Authors: Jennifer P. Wisdom
Gregory N. Clarke
Carla A. Green
Publication date: 01-03-2006
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research / Issue 2/2006
Print ISSN: 0894-587X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3289
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-006-0036-4

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What Teens Want: Barriers to Seeking Care for Depression

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