Psychological treatment of depression in children and adolescents

Abstract

BackgroundThis paper reviews research on the psychological treatment of depression in children.MethodManual and computer literature searches were performed.ResultsThe most promising psychological interventions for depression in children are individual rather than family therapies. Cognitive – behavioural therapy seems to be an effective treatment for depressive symptoms and mild depressive disorders. It may also be a useful preventive intervention, though this remains to be conclusively demonstrated. There have been no systematic studies comparing psychological treatments with medication.ConclusionsStudies comparing psychological treatments and medication are now required.