Depression in teenagers
The two clients were diagnosed with depressive disorders as per the presenting symptoms. DSM-5 has specific criteria for qualifying depressive disorders based on symptoms reported. It outlines the requirement to record at least five symptoms reported by the client for the last 14 days. The clients reported depressive symptoms, including depressive mood almost every day for the last two weeks, loss of interest in activities, sleep problems, loss of energy, and feelings of hopelessness (American Psychiatric Association. 2013). Depression in teenagers has been associated with issues such as academic performances and family problems. The presence of the symptoms informed for group therapy as an important plan for the clients.
Plan of care
The first client was prescribed with sertraline 50 mg once daily for three weeks as the first-line treatment due to his previous use of the medication as he can tolerate appropriately. The second client received Prozac 30 mg once daily for two weeks. The two clients were also scheduled for group cognitive behavioral therapy sessions to help them in coping with depressive symptoms. Group cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in the management of depressive symptoms as it allows clients to share their experiences and learn from each other (Thimm & Antonsen, 2014).
Ethical and legal implications
Ethical and legal requirements in counseling form an important aspect when handling clients. The first ethical implication when counseling the clients is respect for autonomy. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides guidelines for mental health professionals to ensure that clients participate in treatment after receiving all the required information about the diagnosis, medication benefits, and possible side effects. The second ethical consideration is the protection of the client’s health to prevent harm caused by decisions related to treatment and confidentiality during therapy sessions (McClanahan, 2014). The recommended antidepressants should be free from negative effects. The involvement of parents or guardians during treatment decision-making is important when handling clients below 18 years of age.