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Q.

What are the treatment options for children with depression?

Related Topics: Depression
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Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

Charlotte Grayson Mathis, MDCharlotte Grayson Mathis, MDSUCCESS!
Charlotte Grayson Mathis, MD
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
35 Answers
89 Helpful Votes
5 Followers
A.

If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your health care provider.Treatment options for children with depression are similar to those for adults, including psychotherapy (counseling) and medication. The role that family and the child's environment play in the treatment process is different from that of adults. Your child's doctor may suggest psychotherapy first, and consider antidepressant medicine as an additional option if there is no significant improvement. The best studies to date indicate that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is most effective.

However, studies do show that the antidepressant Prozac is effective in treating depression in children and teens. The drug is officially recognized by the FDA for treatment of children 8-18 with depression..

Treating children with bipolar disorder

Children with bipolar disorder are usually treated with psychotherapy and a combination of medicines, usually an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer. Use of an antidepressant alone can trigger bouts of manic and hyperactive behavior.

The FDA has determined that antidepressant medications increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your health care provider.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

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