Read up on Depression in children treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Depression in children

Key points about treatments

Depression is an illness. It can stop children and teenagers from getting the most out of this important time in life. And it can get worse if it isn't treated. As a parent or caregiver, don't wait too long to see if a child's low mood goes away.

For young people with depression, doctors may suggest a talking treatment first. If someone has bad depression and talking treatments don't help, doctors sometimes prescribe the drug fluoxetine (brand name Prozac). It's often used together with a talking treatment. Doctors are more likely to give a drug treatment to older children and teenagers (people between the ages of 12 and 18). Doctors are less likely to recommend drugs for younger children.

Most depressed young people can be helped with treatment. Without the right help, a young person's depression can get worse, last longer and affect their time with family and friends, and at school.

Key points about treating depression in children

Doctors often try talking treatments first. These include interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and guided self-help. There's research to show that some talking treatments can be helpful.
The antidepressant drug fluoxetine (brand name Prozac) helps some young people with depression, but it can have side effects.
For teenagers with moderate or severe depression, research shows that combining a talking treatment with fluoxetine may work best. About 7 in 10 teenagers feel better with this combination of treatments.
Other antidepressants aren't often given to children because the risks of taking them may outweigh the benefits. Doctors have been advised that these drugs increase the risk that a child will think about or try suicide.
A herbal medication called St. John's wort is sometimes used to treat mild depression in adults. But there's no evidence that it works or is safe for children.

This information was last updated on Feb 05, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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