Depression/Dysthymia - Interventions for Children

Effective Therapies for Depression

"Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) currently has the most research support as a treatment for children and adolescents with depression. Research supporting treatments for adolescents is stronger than the studies available on treatments for children.

In children and adolescents who have moderate to severe depression, it may be helpful to try medication, such as antidepressants."
https://effectivechildtherapy.org/concerns-symptoms-disorders/disorders/sadness-hopelessness-and-depression/#effective-treatments

Depression/Dysthymia - Interventions for Children

What Works

Stark’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Stark’s CBT - child- only group or child group plus parent component (CBT) includes mood monitoring, mood education, increasing positive activities

and positive self statements, and problem solving.
 

What Does Not Work

Penn Prevention Program (PPP)

Self-Control Therapy

Behavioral Therapy

A CBT-based program that targets pre-adolescents and early adolescents who are at risk for depression.

A school-based CBT that focuses on self-monitoring, self-evaluating and causal attributions.

Includes pleasant activity monitoring, social skills training and relaxation.