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. 2023 Nov 22:14:1174285.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1174285. eCollection 2023.

Understanding and preventing nonadherence and treatment dropout in adolescents and young adults with anxiety and depressive disorders

Ruth C Waumans  1   2   3 , Anna D T Muntingh  1   2   3 , Neeltje M Batelaan  1   2   3 , Anton J L M van Balkom  1   2   3
Affiliations

Understanding and preventing nonadherence and treatment dropout in adolescents and young adults with anxiety and depressive disorders

Ruth C Waumans et al. Front Psychiatry. .

Abstract

Dropout from psychological or pharmacological treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders is common. It is especially problematic in adolescents and young adults because of the adverse consequences for their development. Reasons for treatment dropout can be divided into therapy-process related factors, attitudinal aspects, and practical issues. Adjusting treatment to patient preferences and shared decision making, improving the therapeutic alliance, and interventions such as (family) psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, and help with practical issues are promising strategies to optimize engagement and adherence.

Keywords: adolescent; anxiety disorder; depressive disorder; dropout; nonadherence; young adult.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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