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Childhood Depression Only
in the past two decades has depression in children been taken very
seriously. The depressed child may pretend to be sick, refuse to go
to school, cling to a parent, or worry that the parent may die. Older
children may sulk, get into trouble at school, be negative, grouchy,
and feel misunderstood. Because normal behaviors vary from one
childhood stage to another, it can be difficult to tell whether a
child is just going through a temporary "phase" or is
suffering from depression. If treatment is needed, the doctor may
suggest that another therapist, usually a social worker or a
psychologist, provide therapy while the psychiatrist will oversee
medication if it is needed. The
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has identified the use of
medications for depression in children as an important area for
research. The NIMH-supported Research Units on Pediatric
Psychopharmacology (RUPPs) form a network of seven research sites
where clinical studies on the effects of medications for mental
disorders can be conducted in children and adolescents. Among the
medications being studied are antidepressants, some of which have
been found to be effective in treating children with depression, if
properly monitored by the child's physician.
(Vitiello
B, Jensen P. Medication development and testing in children and
adolescents. Archives
of General Psychiatry |
