This paper examines why it is important to look at the problem of adolescent depression and suicide from the perspective
of the different kinds of disorders that cause it. The writer claims that there is a need to study the ways that these disorders can be managed so that the depression can be reduced and the risk of suicide lessened. In order to do that, the paper examines major depressive disorder,
dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. It also includes a literature review that deals with treatment, including various
approaches that are being used or have been used in the past to treat depression and the risk of suicide in the adolescent population. Suicide also has a section devoted to it, dealing with the various risk factors and why adolescents choose to take their own lives. Prevention is also discussed, and the usefulness of the research findings are dealt with and tied into the recommendations that will have to be made for the future of this issue. Introduction Types of Mood Disorders Major Depressive Disorder Risk Factors in Major Depression Dysthymic Disorder Bipolar Disorder Literature Review - Treatment of Mood Disorders Validity and Reliability of Studies Psychodynamic Approaches Behavioral Approaches Biological Approaches Antidepressant Drugs Drug Treatment for Bipolar Disorder Clinical Practice Guidelines for Depression Suicide Why do Children and Adolescents Commit Suicide? Who Commits Suicide? Risk Factors for Suicide How can Children/Adolescent Suicide be Prevented? Usefulness in the Field of Social Work How Useful are the Research Findings? How Will These Findings Make a Difference for Practitioners? Conclusion and Recommendations for Future Research Works Cited