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Psychological treatment of depression in children and adolescents

A review of treatment research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Richard Harrington ,
Jane Whittaker  and
Philp Shoebridge
Richard Harrington*
Affiliation:
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester
Jane Whittaker
Affiliation:
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester
Philp Shoebridge
Affiliation:
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester
*
Professor Richard Harrington, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, Manchester M27 1HA. Fax: 0161 728 2294. E-mail: r.c.harrington@man.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background

This paper reviews research on the psychological treatment of depression in children.

Method

Manual and computer literature searches were performed.

Results

The most promising psychological interventions for depression in children are individual rather than family therapies. Cognitive – behavioural therapy seems to be an effective treatment for depressive symptoms and mild depressive disorders. It may also be a useful preventive intervention, though this remains to be conclusively demonstrated. There have been no systematic studies comparing psychological treatments with medication.

Conclusions

Studies comparing psychological treatments and medication are now required.

Type
Review Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 173 , Issue 4 , October 1998 , pp. 291 - 298
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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