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Help for recognizing and treating your child’s depression

	Depression 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. ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments for depression that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out which forms of therapy and which medications rate best for treating depression in children.

If your child has been diagnosed with depression, you're not alone. Consumer Reports Health can help with the best research about depression in children, and expert evidence and advice about treatments.

Key points about depression in children

• Depression is common among children and teenagers. At any time, 8 in every 100 teenagers may be depressed.
• A third of depressed children and teenagers try suicide.
• Talking treatments (psychological therapy) can help symptoms of depression in children, especially when the depression is mild.
• Half of depressed children get better within a year. But many get depressed again. They're also likely to have depression as adults.
• Treatment lowers the chance of depression lasting more than a year.
• Girls stay depressed for longer and have more relapses (they get depressed again).

Adults aren't the only ones who get depressed. Children and teenagers can get depression too. But depressed young people often hide their feelings, and the symptoms aren't always clear. As a parent, you may find it hard to know if your child is depressed or just going through a phase.

Depressed children can be helped with the right treatment. As a parent, caregiver or teacher, don't wait more than a few weeks to see if a child's low mood goes away. Learning as much as you can about childhood depression will help you cope better with your child's diagnoses. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you'll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you'll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you and your family.