Treating depressive symptoms in schoolchildren: a pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Sub-threshold depression in children and adolescents is understudied regarding therapeutic interventions.
• Few studies have investigated the impact of therapy on children with moderate depressive symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an eighteen-session cognitive-behavioural treatment program, "Taking Action", for elementary schoolchildren with moderate depressive symptoms.
• To assess the short-term (4-month) and long-term (12-month) outcomes of the intervention.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (Study 1) involving 20 elementary schoolchildren (aged 10-12) with moderate depressive symptoms, assigned to cognitive-behavioural treatment or a waiting list (WL).
• The "Taking Action" program included affective education, problem-solving, cognitive restructuring, and enjoyable activities.
• Child and parent self-reports were used for outcome evaluation, with follow-up assessments at 4 months and 12 months (Study 2).

Main Results:

• The treatment group showed significant improvements on the Children Depression Inventory and Self-Perception Profile for Children at 4-month follow-up compared to baseline.
• At 12-month follow-up, further improvements were observed in Self-Perception Profile scores.
• Significant reductions were noted in Children Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Child Behaviour Checklist parent measures.

Conclusions:

• The "Taking Action" cognitive-behavioural treatment program is effective in reducing depressive symptoms and improving self-perception in children aged 10-12.
• The protocol demonstrated sustained positive effects and is considered suitable for European children.
• This pilot study highlights the potential of targeted cognitive-behavioural interventions for pediatric depression.