Depression in Children
Alternate Names : Childhood Depression
What are the treatments for the condition?
The two most common ways of treating depression in children are with antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Often a combination is used. Occasionally a person must be hospitalized for intense treatment or for his or her own safety. Antidepressant medications are effective in the following ways:
increasing the child's ability to function in daily life
lowering the risk of suicide
making the child feel better
A class of antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, can be used in children. Some common SSRIs include fluoxetine and paroxetine.
Psychotherapy can help children:
cope better with having depression
feel less alone
improve relations with family, friends, and coworkers
learn about depression and how it affects them
learn to recognize and avoid situations that can bring on a depressive episode
learn to view the world and others more positively and more realistically
positively address problems that they may be facing
stop episodes of depression early by recognizing warning signs and symptoms
Treatment of depression in a child should involve the family as well as the individual.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antidepressants may cause mild and usually temporary side effects in some people. The most common side effects are as follows:
agitation
constipation
dizziness
drowsiness
dry mouth
nausea
What happens after treatment for the condition?
An episode of depression in a child usually responds to treatment with medication and psychotherapy. The child can help prevent relapses by living a healthy lifestyle. Following are some important parts of a healthy lifestyle:
avoiding alcohol, illegal drugs, and smoking
doing regular exercise
eating a balanced diet, following the food guide pyramid
finding a support system for dealing with depression
finding ways to manage stress
getting enough rest
How is the condition monitored?
Once a child has an episode of depression, he or she is at higher risk for further episodes. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. The provider may recommend regular visits to monitor symptoms. The provider may also order blood tests to monitor the levels of medications.
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