Ethnic Differences Among Adolescents Beginning Treatment for Depression

Abstract: This study examines ethnic/racial differences at the start of treatment among participants in the Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS). African American and Latino youth were compared to Caucasian youth on symptom presentation and cognitive variables associated with depression. Contrary to hypothesis, there were no significant differences in symptom presentation as measured by the interviewbased items of the Children's Depression Rating Scale -Revised (CDRS-R). However, African American and Latino youth were both rated as demonstrating more severe symptoms on the observational items of the CDRS-R compared to Caucasian youth. In terms of cognitive variables associated with depression, African Americans reported fewer negative cognitive biases compared to Caucasians, but cognitive biases were significantly correlated with depression severity across ethnic groups

Diversity Issues in Pediatric Behavioral Health Care

Youth from racial/ethnic, sexual, and gender minority groups have significant disparities in health and mental health outcomes. While the literature suggests that evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapies benefit youth and families with minority or marginalized status, less research has focused specifically on these populations in pediatric behavioral health care. Existing evidence pointing to the potential positive impact of pediatric psychologists working with marginalized communities including racial/ethnic minority and LGBTQ youth will be reviewed, along with a brief discussion of the relevance of culturally adapted or tailored interventions in pediatric behavioral health care. Important considerations for practitioners working with minority or marginalized youth and families will be discussed, including issues of mistrust, stigma, and accessibility of services.https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facbooks/1668/thumbnail.jp