Adolescent Psychotherapy

Adolescent Psychotherapy Synopsis

Depression, suicide attempts and completions, alcoholism and drug abuse, and teen pregnancy in adolescents is increasing in our adolescent population at a rapid pace. These events are occuring in a context of considerable social change. The instability of the surrounding social environment means that the most dependent, the children, are at risk for psychiatric distress. "Adolescent Psychotherapy" provides a base for clinicians of all disciplines who conduct psychotherapy with adolescents and their families.;This volume is organized into three sections. The first section on theory introduces each of the three components of the biopsychosocial framework.;Biologic and neurodevelopmental factors are discussed in Chapter 3, in which the adolescent with neurologically based learning disabilities is examined. The usefulness of various types of psychotherapies for such individuals in conjunction with educational intervention is also discussed. The social context in which the adolescent lives is reviewed in Chapter 4. A social systems approach is used to conceptualize the role and function of the community, school, family, individual, and therapist.;The second section on treatment details issues relevant to individual family, and group psychotherapy with adolescents.;Chapter 6 focuses on group psychotherapy. An individual's ability to fit into a given group, problems associated with younger versus older adolescents, themes encountered, and therapeutic factors identified as helpful are discussed. Section 3 addresses specific disorders and their treatment. This section begins with a discussion on attention deficit disorder in Chapter 7.;The psychotherapy of adolescents with behavioral disorders is discussed in Chapter 8. This chapter discusses the setting for treatment and examines the indications for psychopharmacologic treatment as a component of the overall treatment plan. In Chapter 9, the psychotherapy of adolescents with mood disorders is reviewed.;In the final chapter, neurotic disorders in adolescents are examined. Vignettes are included to illustrate intrapsychic conflicts adn the psychotherapeutic process.