Interventions for youth depression: from symptom reduction to well-being and optimal functioning

Abstract

Depression is a major public health problem in children and adolescents, which makes the identification and implementation of effective interventions an increasing concern. Therefore, the main aim of this article is to discuss theoretically different psychological interventions for depression. In particular, those focused on psychopathology and depressive symptom reduction and the new interventions based on the positive psychology approach, which focus on optimal functioning and wellbeing. Empirically supported interventions for children and adolescents, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), have focus on symptom reduction, which represents an incomplete vision of youth functioning. In contrast, interventions based on positive psychology promote a more balanced approach that takes into consideration the negative and positive aspects of experience and aims to enhance well-being. We present and discuss new interventions, such as the Optimal Functioning Therapy for Adolescents, which suggest that the focus of interventions for depressed adolescents should integrate symptom reduction and well-being enhancement to achieve optimal functioning. Helping young people be happier and more engaged in their lives is part of a new perspective for clinical psychology practice.