Depression is a serious mental health problem, affecting the patient's mood, behavior and cognitive functions. Depression can occur at any age, including during childhood. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that about 5 percent of children and adolescents have a form of depression, such as major depression or dysthymic disorder. Because depression can disrupt a child's life, finding the right treatment is important.
Medication
Some depressed children may benefit from medications, such as antidepressants, which increase the neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Jay L. Hoecker, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic notes that children who have severe depressive symptoms, psychosis or chronic depression may benefit the most from these medications.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), for children with depression. A doctor may prescribe an off-label antidepressant, meaning that the drug is safe to use but the FDA has not specifically approved that particular drug for children. Antidepressants do have risks. The FDA warns that in children and adults up to age 24 have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts. The child's treatment program may combine medication with psychotherapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Hoecker notes that cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for children with depression. With cognitive behavioral therapy, the therapist explores with the child his negative thoughts and how they affect his life. The therapist and child then develop a healthier reaction to his triggers, reducing his depression symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy also helps the patient develop coping strategies so he can prevent a recurrence of the depression.
Interpersonal Therapy
Another depression treatment option for children, interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on the issues that cause the depression. The University of Michigan Depression Center states that interpersonal psychotherapy is a short-term treatment option, lasting about 20 sessions. Examples of issues covered in interpersonal psychotherapy include complicated grief and disputes between the child and a close person such as a family member. For example, a divorce may trigger a child's depression, causing her to resent one or both parents. Once the therapist and child identify the issue, they can focus on resolving it in a healthy manner. Because interpersonal psychotherapy lasts for a short time and only addresses interpersonal issues, the child also may benefit from another form of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
