Lifestyle interventions help pediatricians meet growing need for depression management in adolescents

With the rising prevalence of adolescent depression, there are increasingly stringent screening requirements for pediatric primary care providers who are encountering more at-risk patients.new literature review of Harvard Review of Psychiatry It highlights evidence that non-traditional, so-called lifestyle interventions can help providers meet the growing needs of depression management in young people. This journal appears in his Lippincott portfolio of Wolters Kluwer.

This article reviews studies of lifestyle medical interventions related to physical activity, sleep, nutrition, substance use, social connection, and stress management and provides recommendations for clinical practice. “Adding more comprehensive detail to these lifestyle recommendations could help clinicians integrate specific advice into predictive guidance, management, and treatment planning.” We propose Talia S. Benheim, BA and her colleagues at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Michelle Dalal, MD. , Daniel Hosker, MD, Chan School of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, September/October Harvard Review of Psychiatry.

Lifestyle medicine interventions can alleviate lack of access to traditional mental health treatments

Adolescent depression is strongly associated with negative health outcomes in school, employment, and well into adulthood, with research pointing to the importance of early and timely access to mental health interventions However, mental health services continue to be inaccessible, especially among marginalized populations.

The usefulness, versatility and cost-effectiveness of lifestyle interventions are well known. These are available for both sanctioned and non-sanctioned providers. It can be given on its own or as part of a larger treatment plan. Administered face-to-face or virtually in one patient or group. It is often cost-effective and accommodates the unique cultural context of the patient.

This article reviews the evidence for lifestyle interventions in physical activity, sleep, nutrition, substance use, social connection, and stress to demonstrate their efficacy or feasibility in reducing depressive symptoms in adolescents. Research included clinical trials, quantitative studies, qualitative studies, and the authors’ own clinical experience.

Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of physical activity in reducing symptoms of depression, regardless of whether physical activity is considered light or strenuous. Reducing sedentary activity for 2 hours was found to reduce depression scores by 16% to 22% by age 18.

Adolescent sleep disorders persist into adulthood, are associated with poor response to depression treatment, and are even risk factors for suicide. guidelines have been shown to improve depressive symptoms. Bedtime routines such as keeping a diary and maintaining relaxing activities and cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia are also important.

Nutritional research shows that a healthy plant- and whole-food-based diet can relieve or reduce depressive symptoms. We suggest a number of simple intervention approaches, including guidance.

Cannabis, alcohol and nicotine have also been linked to depression in adolescents and may interfere with effective treatment of both. An online program in Australia showed that increased knowledge of substances, depression and anxiety decreased the likelihood of drinking.

In adolescents, loneliness correlates with depression, and lack of social connection is a predictor of suicidal ideation. It became clear. Various forms of connection, including extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports, have been shown to reduce depressive symptoms and may overlap with other lifestyle interventions.

Finally, interventions that help patients cope with and manage stress may favorably affect the onset, maintenance and severity of depression. Effective interventions include deep breathing, meditation, muscle relaxation techniques, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

The authors caution that interventions involving significant behavioral changes can be difficult, especially without social, economic, or cultural support. Despite the paucity of randomized controlled trials of behavior (such as physical activity), Benheim, Dalal, and colleagues found that these interventions could help meet the growing need for mental health services and improve the health of teens. We believe we can give young people and families an empowering opportunity. Knowledge, skills and habits to combat depression.