Finding the right child depression treatment can be a confusing process. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective options. By working with your child and her heath care providers, you can find the right fit -- for your child's depression, and for the whole family.
Medication
Medication therapy for depression is typically warranted for moderate to severe cases of major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). However, medication may be effective for persistent but mild MDD or dysthymic disorder (DD) as well.
Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are common in treating depression. Other types of drugs, like antipsychotic medications or anticonvulsive medications, may also be used when determined appropriate by your child's doctor.
Currently in the United States, only Fluoxetine -- more known by its brand name, Prozac -- is approved for major depressive disorder in children. Of course, your child's doctor may prescribe a different medication for her based on her circumstances.
Don't be afraid to talk to your child's doctor about medications. It is important to know what to expect in order to assess your child's progress and be watchful for side effects.
Counseling/Psychotherapy
There are many different types of counseling and psychotherapy, which may be helpful in relieving depression symptoms in your child.
Although these terms are often used interchangeably and there is considerable overlap, counseling generally refers to shorter term work and psychotherapy to longer term deeper psychological treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of psychotherapy, has been widely studied in children and found to relieve depression symptoms.
Your child's pediatrician, school counselor, or school psychologist can be helpful in recommending a counselor or psychotherapist to meet your child's specific needs.
It is important to find someone who your child is comfortable with, which may mean meeting with a few different people before you find the right match. Don't be afraid to meet with the counselor or therapist before your child does.
Combination Treatment
In a 2007, the National Institute of Mental Health supported a study that showed that Fluoxetine use in combination with CBT proved to be more effective for depressed children than medication or CBT alone.
Of course, each child's needs are different, but it may be worth discussing an combination treatment plan with your child's doctor.
One of the possible benefits of combination treatment is that your child will meet with more than one professional to assess her depression on a more frequent basis. Theoretically, this would provide her with more support, attention, and safeguards.
A Word About Natural Remedies
Natural remedies, such as the natural herb St. John's Wort, have been reported in the treatment of depression. However, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has indicated that St. John's Wort is not an approved treatment for depression. Its effectiveness and safety have not been assessed in children yet.
If you are thinking about St. John's Wort or other natural remedies for your child's depression, be sure to discuss it with her doctor first. Natural herbs and supplements have side effects and can interact with other medications.
Getting Involved
Take an active role in your child's depression treatment. Some research has shown that a parent can greatly influence a child's adherence to his treatment program by making it a priority. By taking an active role, you are showing her the importance of her health and recovery.
Some counselors or therapists will want to meet with you alone, or may even encourage you to join in the sessions with your child. Taking the time to do so will provide your child with extra support. Moreover, it may give you some additional insight into your child's life.
Take time to explain the chosen treatment plan to your child. Tell her what to expect from therapy or counseling sessions, or how a medication may make her feel.
You can look up the side effects of hundreds of drugs right here in About.com's Drugs A-Z database.
Trying Different Treatment Options
Work with your child and your child's health care team to find the best treatment option. Do not be afraid to speak up about your concerns and check in frequently about her improvement, or lack of improvement.
Most treatments can take between 4 to 8 weeks to see significant improvement, so patience -- and compliance -- are both key. If you notice that your child is getting worse, or that the treatment she's following just does not seem to be right somehow, let her doctor know right away. Do not discontinue your child's treatment regimen before this consultation.
Sources:
Antidepressant Medications for Children and Adolescents: Information for Parents and Caregivers. National Institute on Mental Health. Accessed: July 27, 2010. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/antidepressant-medications-for-children-and-adolescents-information-for-parents-and-caregivers.shtml
St. John's Wort. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Accessed: August 18, 2010. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/
Willansky-Traynor, P. Manassis, K., Monga, S. et al. "Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depressed Youth: Predictors of Attendance in a Pilot Study." Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry May 2, 2010, 19.
