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This study explored what adolescents want in an Internet-based self-help program (IBSHP) for psychological distress, in order to encourage them to use the IBSHP to help themselves. Thirteen adolescents (aged 15-18) participated in the Feeling Better program and then completed a 1-h telephone interview, answering questions based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Thematic analysis was used to identify three themes in the interviews. 'Effectiveness' represented the usefulness of the IBSHP components and the role of credibility. 'Privacy allows control over disclosure' described the IBSHP's provision of a private space in which to seek help. 'Capacity to seek help' described the convenience and accessibility of having an online program and the importance of motivation and awareness of the program. These themes reflect the TPB: 'Effectiveness' reflecting 'Attitudes', 'Privacy allows control over disclosure' reflecting 'Subjective Norms' and 'Capacity to seek help' reflecting 'Perceived Behavioral Control'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine adolescent preferences for depression treatment. Adolescents ( n = 156) completed a survey that included: their preferences for type of depression treatment and the method of delivering it; their perception of the importance of side effects of depression treatments and a rating of their willingness to seek treatment if they were depressed. A screen for depressive symptoms (CES-D10) was also completed. Adolescents showed higher preference for psychotherapy than antidepressants. Greater severity of depression symptoms, perceived social support for the particular treatment modality, and general willingness to seek treatment predicted greater preference for psychotherapy than for antidepressants. Family doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists were the preferred treatment providers, and adolescents preferred that treatment be delivered in a private office. Weight gain was the most deterring side effect of antidepressants for girls and loss of sex drive for boys. Adolescents’ preference for psychological therapy suggests that broader availability of psychotherapy may enhance help-seeking and compliance in depression treatment in this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) Scale's 20-item version is well-validated and reliable for detecting depressive symptoms in adolescents in community samples. A shortened version, CES-D 10 has not been validated with adolescents, but has demonstrated strong psychometrics in other populations. The purpose of this study was to test the factorial validity and internal consistency of the CES-D 10 in adolescents. Using data from 156 adolescents in a previous community-based study, we tested three models of the underlying factors of the CES-D 10 using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on factor models validated in other populations. A two-factor model comprised of depressive affect and positive affect was found to be the model that best fits the data (RMSEA = 0.016, CFI = 0.98, GFI = 0.95, AIC = 97.43, BIC = 191.98). These findings are consistent with other studies in adults and provide initial support for the use of the CES-D 10 as a depression screen for adolescents in the community. The utility of a brief screen for adolescents in the community is high, given that many adolescents do not know they need help or are reluctant to seek help. The CES-D 10 could be used as a depression screen for adolescents at a population level and in health clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]