Depression and Anger in Male Adolescents: A Cognitive Behavioral Group Manual

Abstract

Depression is a common mental health disorder experienced by children and adolescents. Depression in male adolescents often does not follow the DSM criteria as it does in girls. This literature review and manual will explore gender differences in the manifestation of depression symptoms, as well as the link between depression and anger in adolescent males. Additionally, effective treatments for depression and anger will also be explored. Treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and pharmacological treatments. This group manual provides evidence-based CBT interventions that are effective in managing and treating symptoms of major depressive disorder, especially when it comes to anger and aggression in male adolescents. Interventions include psychoeducation and mood monitoring, pleasant activity scheduling and behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring and identifying negative automatic thoughts, and CBT skill-building techniques. Psychoeducation focuses on the causations and symptoms of depression and dysfunctional cognitions. This manual was established to provide clinical practitioners with the proper tools to foster a counseling environment where adolescent clients feel safe to learn about their symptoms, process their feelings, and regulate emotions