Depression in adolescents: Evaluating 'acting out behaviour' - mad, bad or sad?

Description: Depression is both a contributor to and symptom of "acting out" behaviour. This webinar will provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating "acting out." Signs and symptoms of depression, the difference between normal sadness and clinical disorder, and the causes of and treatment options for depression will be outlined. Changes in the adolescent brain that contribute to risk-taking will be explained. Stigma as a barrier to help-seeking and best practices in referring to psychiatry will be also clarified. 

Learning objectives:

• Understand how changes in the teenage brain account for impulsivity, reward-seeking, and risk-taking in adolescents.
• Appreciate the role of "masked depression" and irritability as contributors to acting out.
• Describe the symptoms, differential diagnosis, causes, and treatment of depression in teens
• Develop an approach to the reduction of stigma and increase in help-seeking in teens.

Adolescent depression is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or masked by irritability and acting out. This timely training equips professionals with a comprehensive framework to identify, assess, and treat depression in teens—while addressing stigma, risk-taking behaviours, and barriers to care. 

Reserve your spot now to gain the clinical insight you need to support early intervention and better outcomes for youth struggling beneath the surface. 

Ontario Psychological Association employees, members, associates and affiliates can use discount code OPA15 to receive 15% off all upcoming programs (cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions/discounts).