Outcome at 6 months for 50 adolescents with major depression treated in a health maintenance organization

Objective: To examine the short-term outcome of adolescents with major depr essive disorder treated in a health maintenance organization (HMO) setting. Method: Fifty consecutive adolescents meeting DSM-IV criteria for major de pressive disorder at intake to an HMO clinic completed a Beck Depression In ventory (BDI), Columbia Impairment Scale, and Youth Self-Report (YSR), and a parent completed a Child Behavior Checklist at intake and 2, 4, and 6 mon ths later, Results: Thirty-three percent, 40.6%, and 33% of reporting subje cts showed improved mood (defined as BDI score < 9), with 78%, 64%, and 72% reporting (defined as completing a BDI) at 2, 4, and 6 months, respectivel y, Initial level of impairment correlated with BDI score at 2 months (p = . 02) and 4 months (p = .01). Attention problems at intake as measured by the YSR correlated with BDI score at 2 months (p = .002) and 6 months (p = .00 3). Conclusions: A minority of adolescents treated with limited, nonspecifi c psychotherapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have a BDI scor e of less than 9 at 2, 4, or 6 months. Self-report of attention problems at intake correlates with ongoing depressive symptomatology.