Medically reviewed by Ed Zimney, MD
Q: What are some interventions or activities to use with teens and children to help cope and overcome depression?
A: The proven treatment options for depression in teens include cognitive-behavior therapy and the anti-depressant fluoxetine (Prozac). Following the Food and Drug Administration warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior associated with anti-depressants (in controlled studies there was a two percent greater risk in children and teens taking active medications compared to those taking placebo), the use of anti-depressants in youth decreased somewhat, although it is not clear that this reduction was balanced by increased use of cognitive-behavior therapy.
Depressive episodes in youth can resolve without specific treatment – this is why placebo response rates are so high in controlled studies – but they can also persist for months or even years and can have devastating effects on school performance and social adjustment, so it is best not to take a “wait and see” approach.
Dr. Michael Thase is director of the Depression Treatment and Research Program at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh.
Q: What are some interventions or activities to use with teens and children to help cope and overcome depression?
A: The proven treatment options for depression in teens include cognitive-behavior therapy and the anti-depressant fluoxetine (Prozac). Following the Food and Drug Administration warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior associated with anti-depressants (in controlled studies there was a two percent greater risk in children and teens taking active medications compared to those taking placebo), the use of anti-depressants in youth decreased somewhat, although it is not clear that this reduction was balanced by increased use of cognitive-behavior therapy.
Depressive episodes in youth can resolve without specific treatment – this is why placebo response rates are so high in controlled studies – but they can also persist for months or even years and can have devastating effects on school performance and social adjustment, so it is best not to take a “wait and see” approach.
Dr. Michael Thase is director of the Depression Treatment and Research Program at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh.
(everydayhealth.com)
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