Clinical depression in children consists of a variety of symptoms including pervasive sadness or irritability, a loss of pleasure, changes in appetite, problems sleeping and low energy. According to MayoClinic.com, depression appears to be as common in children as adults. How a depressed child experiences the disorder often differs from adults. These considerations need to be taken into account when deciding upon an appropriate treatment. Many effective forms of treatment exist for depressed children.
Antidepressant Medications
MayoClinic.com identifies situations in which an antidepressant may serve as particularly helpful for depressed children. These include severe symptoms that may not respond to psychotherapy alone, a lack of easy access to psychotherapy, recurrent or prolonged depression or depression with psychosis. As there is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children who take antidepressants, important considerations need to be taken. A doctor should weigh this risk with potential benefits.
Family Systems Therapy
This form of treatment explores dynamics within a family and how they may affect the mental health of individual members. The therapy includes involving the members of the family as part of the treatment. The textbook "Behavior Disorders of Childhood" indicates that this form of treatment shows some effectiveness; however, other treatments such as cognitive-behavior therapy were found to be superior.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Interpersonal psychotherapy, or IPT, is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on interpersonal issues and the improvement of interpersonal skills. This therapy is typically short-term and can diminish symptoms of depression while boosting the child's self-esteem.
Cognitive Therapy
This form of treatment consists of evaluating a depressed child's negative and unhealthy thoughts about herself, her experiences and her future. By working to identify these problematic thoughts, the therapist will assist the depressed child by challenging her to develop healthier, more positives ones. After the depressed child masters these skills, depressive symptoms often will alleviate.
Behavioral Therapy
Types of behavioral therapy for depressed children may include increasing the frequency of positive activities the child engages in, keeping a journal, increasing social reinforcement, decreasing social isolation and improving problem-solving skills. Behavioral therapy usually does not occur on its own, but is a part of other forms of treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Dr. Kenneth Merrell writes in his book "Helping Students Overcome Depression and Anxiety" that the most effective types of treatment for depression in children consists of a comprehensive approach, including a major focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. This form of treatment includes aspects of cognitive and behavioral treatments and is considered one of the most effective means to treat depressed children.
References
- "Behavior Disorders of Childhood, Fifth Edition"; Rita Wicks-Nelson, Ph.D. and Allen C. Israel, Ph.D.; 2003
- "Cognitive Therapy With Children and Adolescents"; Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D., Frank M. Dattilio, Ph.D., and Arthur Freeman, Ph.D.; 2003
- "Helping Students Overcome Depression and Anxiety"; Kenneth W. Merrell, Ph.D.; 2001
- MayoClinic.com: "What's the Most Effective Depression Treatment for Children?"; Jay L. Hoekler, M.D.
