Depression in children and adolescents: optimizing treatment

Abstract

Depression is a severe and prevalent illness among children and adolescents. Recent controversies regarding antidepressant use among pediatric patients have left healthcare providers, particularly primary-care providers, feeling uncertain of how to approach the care of depressed pediatric patients. Several large-scale studies of the treatment of pediatric depression have been completed. In addition, substantial progress has been made in our understanding of benefit versus risk in the treatment of pediatric depression. This paper presents the most updated scientific evidence in pediatric depression treatment. The review covers a wide range of treatment modalities including psychotherapy, antidepressant and alternative remedies. Recommendations based on both the scientific evidence and the most current guidelines and treatment algorithms are outlined.