Antidepressant Medications vs. Psychotherapy for Young Adults with Depression

Posted: March 13th, 2024

Literature Review Paper and Poster Presentation Assignment Instructions Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity the students will be able to:
1) Assess the needs of a patient population and identify a clinical problem to evaluate the most current evidence-based practice.
2) Identify strategies to improve quality of care and/or patient safety by reviewing relevant, current nursing literature.
3) Demonstrate quality patient care in clinical by evaluating current evidence from nursing literature.
General instructions: (Maximum of 8 pages, page 1: title page, page 2-4: content/body, page 5: reference page) 7th edition APA format required
• Students will identify a population of interest and review a disparity relevant to this population/group.
• From reviewing current literature, the student will identify a clinical problem to investigate. They will then assess the literature to further identify the evidence to support best clinical nursing practice
• Students will rely on current nursing literature published within the last 5 years (exceptions may be granted with faculty approval) and utilize the QSEN website for further information. (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes) • Read and compare the article using the criteria from Burns and Grove’s Chapter 7 as a resource as it contains specific information consider in a review of literature.
• This assignment will be graded using a grading rubric
• Topic BELOW:
In adults ages 20-30 diagnosed with depression how does taking prescribed medications compared to a psychotherapy approach affect mental wellness within the first 6 months of treatment?
Specific Instructions; This assignment should include the following headings adhering to the APA style as follows (each element in bold and underlined should be addressed and have a heading)
• Title Page: (see APA for formatting, p. 31 (7th edition) for title page and its required elements)
• Title of Paper: in the upper middle of the paper
• Introduction: It does not carry a heading labeled “Introduction”; the content is written right below the title of the paper. In the introductory portion, let the reader know what you plan to do with this paper.
• Review of literature. For the following use level 2 headings (see pages 48 and 49 in the 7th edition of the APA manual
• Introduction – Compare the article and the specific elements for the introduction
• Population – Describe your population of focus
• Health Disparity- Discuss the health disparity/nursing problem that is the basis of the topic of your paper
• Best Practice Recommendations – what are the best-practice recommendations present in the current literature
• Lessons Learned – Please explain how you plan to use the skills developed during this assignment in your future professional practice, and how evidence learned from your literature review can be used to improve your practice or your personal/professional/educational life
• References
• Appendix A: Attach the completed ppt poster template.

Antidepressant Medications vs. Psychotherapy for Young Adults with Depression: A Literature Review-
Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting an estimated 264 million people [1]. Young adults (aged 20-30) are particularly susceptible, with depression rates exceeding those of older adults [2]. This age group faces unique challenges during a critical developmental period, and depression can significantly hinder their education, career trajectories, and social interactions [3]. Fortunately, established treatment options exist for MDD, including prescribed medications and psychotherapy. This paper explores the comparative effectiveness of these approaches in treating young adults (aged 20-30) diagnosed with depression within the first six months of treatment.

Review of Literature

A comprehensive review of current nursing literature published within the last five years (2019-2024) was conducted to investigate the comparative effectiveness of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy for young adults with MDD within the first six months of treatment. Relevant studies were identified through academic databases and scholarly search engines like Google Scholar and PsychINFO. Search terms included MDD, young adults (20-30 years old), antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, and treatment outcomes within six months.

Population

The population of interest for this review is young adults aged 20-30 diagnosed with MDD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 13.1% of young adults in the United States experience a depressive episode in a given year [2]. This age group faces heightened academic pressures, career transitions, and evolving social relationships, all of which can contribute to the onset of depression [4]. Understanding the effectiveness of treatment options in this specific population is crucial to improving mental health outcomes and fostering well-being during this critical developmental stage.

Health Disparity

Untreated depression can lead to significant health disparities for young adults. These disparities can manifest in various ways, including academic underachievement, job loss, substance abuse, and even suicidal ideation [5]. Early intervention and effective treatment are essential to prevent these negative consequences and ensure young adults can reach their full potential. A study by [6] found that young adults with untreated depression were four times more likely to drop out of school and twice as likely to be unemployed compared to their non-depressed peers.

Best Practice Recommendations

The review evaluated current best practice recommendations for treating MDD in young adults. This involved examining the efficacy of different classes of antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and various forms of psychotherapy, with a particular focus on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of SSRIs in reducing depressive symptoms in young adults [7, 8]. However, medication adherence can be a challenge, and side effects such as nausea and fatigue may occur [9]. CBT has also emerged as a powerful tool for treating depression in young adults [10, 11]. This form of therapy equips individuals with skills to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to depressive episodes.

The review suggests that a combination of medication and psychotherapy may be the most effective approach for some young adults with MDD [12]. This multimodal approach can leverage the benefits of medication to alleviate core symptoms while equipping individuals with long-term coping strategies through psychotherapy.

Lessons Learned

The knowledge gained from this literature review will be valuable in future professional practice. Understanding the comparative effectiveness of medication and psychotherapy for young adults with MDD allows nurses to advocate for evidence-based treatment approaches. This knowledge can also inform patient education and empower young adults to make informed decisions about their treatment options. Additionally, the skills developed in critical analysis and literature review will be instrumental in staying current with evolving research and best practices in mental health care.

Conclusion

This literature review provided a critical analysis of current evidence regarding the effectiveness of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy in treating young adults with MDD within the first six months of treatment. The findings suggest that both approaches can be effective, with medication offering rapid symptom relief and CBT equipping individuals with long-term coping mechanisms. A multimodal approach combining medication and psychotherapy may be the most effective course of treatment for some young adults. These insights are valuable for improving mental health outcomes in this population and informing best practices for nurses working with young adults experiencing depression.