Citation

Sparks JA. J. Marital Fam. Ther. 2002; 28(1): 27-38.

Affiliation

Department of Family Therapy, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA. sparksj@nova.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11813363

Abstract

Therapists and clients encounter pressure to seek medication for adolescent depression and dangerous behaviors. A review of current research indicates that medical practitioners prescribe antidepressants for adolescents despite questionable efficacy, side effects, and frequent refusal. Adolescent girls' expressions of distress expose them to systems that promote medication prescription. A critical look at medical, gender, and adolescent discourses sheds light on drug prescription as standard practice and highlights its impact on adolescent girls' agency, voice, and community connection. Resistance to medication is reconsidered as an act of personal and political choice. Amy, a 16-year-old girl, and her therapist describe strategies for managing depression without medication.

Language: en