Essay --

During adolescents, there is an increased vulnerability for depression due to biological, cognitive, and socio-environmental changes. For this paper, I will be discussing Scarlet, a 16 year old Hispanic female whose parents have divorced two years ago, and because of that Scarlet has been displaying symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder and Oppositional and Defiant Disorder. This paper will review literature which supports Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as being an effective form of treatment for depression with adolescents. I will also review literature which supports Family Therapy as being an effective treatment for adolescents with parent-child relational problems. I will also discuss any issues related to culture, ethnicity, and age regarding Scarlet and her family. Client’s Presenting Problems Scarlet is a sixteen year old Hispanic female who resides in Edison with her biological mother. Scarlet is currently a junior at JP Steven’s high school. Scarlet was referred because she is displaying symptoms of depression as evidenced by isolating herself from her family and peers, irritability, excessive sleeping, a history of suicidal ideations, and a loss of interests she used to enjoy. Scarlet also displays oppositional and defiant behaviors as evidenced by constant argumentative behavior, anger outbursts, refusal to follow the rules, and cursing and screaming at her mom on a daily basis. Scarlet was hospitalized at UMDNJ for six days in January of 2013 following an incident where a truant officer picked her off of the street. Scarlet’s mother reported Scarlet was texting her â€Å"I wish I was dead.† Scarlet’s mother reported both parents divorced two years ago and Scarlet’s behavior began to decline shortly... ...e to her age and her issues could not be taken serious simply because she is a â€Å"teenager†. In conclusion, There is an increased vulnerability for depression in adolescents due to biological, cognitive, and socio-environmental changes. For this paper, I discussed Scarlet, a 16 year old Hispanic female whose parents have divorced two years ago, and because of that Scarlet has been displaying symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder and Oppositional and Defiant Disorder. I reviewed literature which supports Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as being an effective form of treatment for depression with adolescents. I will also reviewed literature which supports Family Therapy as being an effective treatment for adolescents with parent-child relational problems. Scarlet will most likely benefit from CBT and family therapy given the involvement of her parents in therapy.