Teenage Depression

A teenager was referred to MBA via a GP practise; he was thought to be ‘over wrought and highly strung’. Discretion was a must for the family so MBA saw the client at home within 24 hours and after a thorough assessment organised an urgent appointment with the psychiatrist for a medical assessment and joint working. The teenager was put on a supervised, time limited programme of medication and entered into a therapeutic relationship with an MBA consultant.

The teenager was assessed as having complex issues with a Social Anxiety Disorder centering on childhood trauma regarding their parents’ divorce. They were in the middle of their A levels and failing to reach their targets for University. Over the ensuing months MBA and the teenager worked towards investigating and understanding the fear and anger that the divorce had caused, within the therapeutic relationship high levels of bullying at middle schools was disclosed. MBA’s experts then worked closely with the school to help them understand and support the pupil; they identified areas within the school that would enhance and encourage a more positive and supportive environment for all pupils.

The teenager and consultant developed a secure relationship enabling the teenager to address these issues and by the end of the year he passed his exams, grew more confident and even attended the Leavers Ball. The young person is now enjoying life at a prestigious university.