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Examining Outpatient Treatment Dropout in Adolescents: A Literature Review

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Abstract

This literature review explores the research to date on adolescent mental health treatment drop out. As many as one in five adolescents in the United States has been diagnosed with an Axis-I psychiatric disorder. Adolescents with Axis-I psychiatric disorders face significant short- and long-term consequences if they do not obtain mental health treatment. However, treatment dropout research has focused on child and adult populations with little focus on the unique issues that are likely to impact adolescents. The theoretical underpinnings for understanding adolescent mental health treatment are explored in relation to adolescent psychological development and the therapeutic alliance. The review concludes with suggestions for future research to extend our understanding of adolescent treatment drop out.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health and Social Work, Slippery Rock University, 118 Strain Behavioral Science Building, 1 Morrow Way, Slippery Rock, PA, 16057, USA

    Azadeh Masalehdan Block

  2. School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Catherine G. Greeno

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  1. Azadeh Masalehdan Block
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  2. Catherine G. Greeno
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Correspondence to Azadeh Masalehdan Block.

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Block, A.M., Greeno, C.G. Examining Outpatient Treatment Dropout in Adolescents: A Literature Review. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 28, 393–420 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-011-0237-x

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