Attachment-based Family Therapy for Treating Adolescent Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the US, affecting 4-6% of adolescents. Suicide is also a significant issue in this age group, and is the the third leading cause of death among adolescents. How effective are the various types of psychotherapy and medications typically used to treat adolescent depression, and how is a newer form of therapy, attachment-based family therapy, aimed at engaging this patient population more effectively? Dr. Guy Diamond, director of the Center for Family Intervention Science at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and associate professor of psychology at Penn Medicine, joins host Dr. Maurice Pickard to discuss the theory behind attachment-based family therapy, which is intended to address the patient's environment and stressors that may be contributing to their depression. When might attachment-based family therapy be more beneficial than enhanced usual care (including cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications)?