McCord Stafford, AllisonGarbuz, TamilaEtter, Dillon J.Adams, Zachary W.Hulvershorn, Leslie A.Downs, Stephen M.Aalsma, Matthew C.2022-05-092022-05-092020Stafford AM, Garbuz T, Etter DJ, et al. The Natural Course of Adolescent Depression Treatment in the Primary Care Setting. J Pediatr Health Care. 2020;34(1):38-46. doi:https://hdl.handle.net/1805/28880Introduction: Little is known about how adolescents receive depression follow-up in primary care. The purpose of this study was to describe the rates of symptom assessment and depression treatment over time in a group of adolescents screening positive for moderate or severe depression in the primary care setting. Methods: Retrospective chart reviews were conducted to gather information related to symptom reassessments, antidepressant prescriptions, psychotherapy referrals, and treatment discontinuation. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a qualitative content analysis was conducted to determine the reasons for treatment discontinuation. Results: Eighty records were reviewed (mean age = 15.3, 73% female, 59% Black). Treatment was initiated for 83% (n = 66) of patients, and 45% (n = 30) of patients discontinued treatment during the review period for a variety of reasons. Discussion: To improve adolescents' adherence to depression treatment, providers should address factors that contribute to treatment discontinuation and use tools to manage depression follow-up care.en-USPublisher PolicyAdolescentAntidepressantsDepressionPrimary health carePsychotherapyArticle