Psychology

Depression in Adolescents

Module code: C8902
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture
Assessment modes: Essay, Coursework

This module will cover topics including:

• the characteristics of depression in young people
• the broad range of potential causes of depression
• the evidence-base for the treatment of adolescent depression.

You may examine the historical models which have led to the development of specific treatments, such as the cognitive model of depression. You will also explore evaluate recent advances in the field. This could include approaches to diagnosis as well as the arrival of the Child and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP-IAPT) initiative.

By the end you should understand the complex developmental pathways and current treatment outcomes of depression in adolescence.

Module learning outcomes

• Systematically understand a broad range of causes and treatments of depression in adolescence
• Analyse current research that has examined development and treatment of depression in adolescence, considering their strengths and limitations, and their contribution to the field
• Communicate to specialist and non-specialist audiences the characteristics of depression in young people, and recent empirical evidence examining causes and treatment outcomes