Navigating adolescent depression and anxiety in the context of parenting plan evaluations

• Published date: 01 July 2023
• Author: Chioma Ajoku
• Date: 01 July 2023
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/fcre.12735

SPECIAL FEATURE

Navigating adolescent depression and anxiety

in the context of parenting plan evaluations

Chioma Ajoku

Forensic Psych Solutions, Brooklyn, New

York, USA

Correspondence

Chioma Ajoku, Forensic Psych Solutions,

26 Court St, Suite 409, Brooklyn,

New York, USA.

Email: forensicpsychsolutions@gmail.com

Abstract

This article touches upon theories accounting for the rise in

adolescent anxiety and depression and how the prevalence

of adolescent anxiety and depression affects how we navi-

gate parenting plan evaluations. This article also discusses

the importance of screening youth for depressive and anx-

ious symptoms and assessing family, parental, and youth

risk and protective factors related to adolescent depression

and anxiety. This article also highlights the importance of

assessing for mediating factors that increase the risk of anx-

iety and depression in youth in the context of parental sep-

aration, such as interparental conflict, financial difficulties,

and limited contact with one parent. This article also iden-

tifies various methods of assessing depression and anxiety,

including the adolescent interview, observations during the

interview, and self-report measures. Additionally, this article

discusses potential interventions that address mediators of

the impact of divorce, such as parenting problems, family

conflict, or the parent–child relationship.

KEYWORDS

adolescent anxiety, adolescent depression, assessment, court-

involved families, effects of divorce, family conflict, parenting

plan evaluations, protective factors, risk factors, screening, youth

mental health

DOI: 10.1111/fcre.12735

© 2023 Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.

Family Court Rev. 2023;61:483–489. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/fcre 483