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Childhood Depression Treatment Techniques

Many people believe depression is an adult's illness, but statistics show this is not true. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), depression affects around 5 percent of children, causing them to lose interest in favorite activities, be excessively self-critical, feel hopeless or sad and even entertain thoughts of suicide. Although its symptoms can be debilitating for the child and his parents, it is highly treatable. Treating depression early with therapy and antidepressants can significantly reduce depression symptoms, allowing the child to live a normal, happy life.

  1. Cognitive Therapy

    • Cognitive therapy can help kids battle depression. According to personalityresearch.org, cognitive therapy teaches children how to change negative thinking, improve social skills and increase assertiveness. It also teaches children how to relax or meditate in order to stay clam.

    Family Therapy

    • Family therapy is also used to treat childhood depression. Family therapy teaches the parents and the child to identify negative thought behaviors, how to reduce stress and how to help the child during severe depressive episodes. Additionally, parents also are informed about the illness and what to expect.

    Antidepressants

    • Antidepressants also are used with therapy to improve depression symptoms. According to the NIMH, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) effectively reduce negative thoughts and behaviors associated with depression. It also contains less side effects compared to other antidepressants. There is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts with SSRIs, however, which affects nearly 4 percent of patients.

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