Journal of Shandong University (Health Sciences) ›› 2026, Vol. 64 ›› Issue (3): 24-34.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1671-7554.0.2025.0605

• “Psychological Health in Children and Adolescents” Key Topics • Previous Articles    

Research progress on medication adherence in children and adolescents with depressive disorder

LI Fanghua1, LIU Na2, LI Xiaoyu3, XU Dianhua1, WANG Qian1   

  1. 1. Department of Clinical Psychology II, Shandong Mental Health Center(Shandong University Affiliated Mental Health Center), Jinan 250014, Shandong, China;
    2. School of Health Management, Dezhou Vocational and Technical College, Dezhou 253034, Shandong, China;
    3. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Mental Health Center (Shandong University Affiliated Mental Health Center), Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
  • Published:2026-03-19

Abstract: Depressive disorder is a common mental health issue among children and adolescents. This disorder has become a major cause of disability and suicide risk among adolescents globally. While medication is a primary treatment approach, medication adherence among pediatric and adolescent depression patients is generally low, directly impacting treatment outcomes and drawing significant attention in recent years. This paper systematically reviewed the concepts, assessment tools, current status, influencing factors, and intervention strategies related to medication adherence in children and adolescents with depressive disorder. Analysis indicates that adherence assessment tools can be broadly categorized into subjective and objective methods. Medication adherence is influenced by the interaction of multiple factors, including patient-related factors, family/social factors, and treatment-related factors. Intervention strategies require multidimensional approaches integrating national policies, technical support, family collaboration, and healthcare system optimization, while fully considering developmental differences among children and adolescents and cross-cultural contexts. By systematically review research progress in this field, this paper aims to provide theoretical foundations and practical evidence for developing precise and effective adherence improvement plans in clinical practice.

Key words: Children and adolescents, Depressive disorder, Medication adherence

CLC Number: 

  • R749.94
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