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Depression in children and young people
How is it treated?
Treatment of depression in children and young people falls into two categories: psychological treatments (psychotherapy or counselling - talking treatments); and physical treatments (medication). Psychological treatments should be suggested first. For mild depression, referral to a specialist may not be necessary and the health care professional may advise 'watchful waiting' - monitoring the progress of the young person accompanied by sensible advice about diet, exercise and encouraging the child to take part in normal activities.
If there is no progress or if the depression is more severe, psychological treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy and interpersonal therapy will be suggested. Other psychological treatments that may be suggested include family therapy and more intensive individual child psychotherapies. If psychological treatments are not bringing about improvement then, in teenagers, antidepressant medication will be suggested (and considered even in children) in addition to the psychological treatment. Where medication is prescribed children and young people should be monitored carefully in the first few weeks as there is evidence that the use of anti-depressants could lead to feelings of agitation and suicide when first prescribed. Hospital treatment may be indicated if the child or young person is at serious risk because of self harm or self neglect.
About ten per cent of children and young people will recover spontaneously within a few months and forty per cent within a year. The average length of depression referred for treatment is about six months but relapses are common and about one third will have a further episode within five years. There is evidence that if medication has helped treat depression it should be continued for at least six months after symptoms have gone in order to prevent recurrence.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has produced guidelines on the treatment of depression in children and young people for healthcare professionals, children and young people themselves, parents and carers, Web: http://www.nice.org.uk/CG028 . More information can be found at Web: http://www.besttreatments.co.uk/btuk/conditions/35261.html which carries information for both doctors and lay people. It is produced by the British Medical Journal and endorsed by NHS Direct.
How is it diagnosed?
| Inheritance patterns and prenatal diagnosis 
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