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Children and Young People
Children or adolescents with depression should usually receive a combination of treatments , including talking therapy or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) often in combination with medication, especially if the depression is severe or not rapidly responding to CBT. There is considerable evidence for the success of CBT in the treatment of young people with depression.
While there is some controversy over the use of medication, the benefits of antidepressants clearly seem to outweigh the risks that have recently been discussed. Antidepressants may be especially useful in young people who are too depressed to do the things suggested in CBT and talking therapy.
Sometimes it is necessary to seek the advice of a child and adolescent psychiatrist when putting young people on medication. In CBT, the young person is taught to challenge the negative views they hold, encouraged to do things that will improve their mood and look after their general health and well being. The family is supported to help the young person do these things and any family problems are also addressed in therapy. The school may also be involved at times , decreasing the academic pressure and helping to support the individual to have positive experiences at school.
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