Depression in young people: description, assessment and evidence-based treatment

The literature on depression in children and adolescents was reviewed to provide an update for clinicians.

Literature of particular relevance to evidence-based practice was selected for critical review. Meta-analyses and controlled trials were prioritized for review along with key assessment instruments.

An up-to-date overview of clinical features, epidemiology, prognosis, aetiology, assessment and intervention was provided.

Depression in children and adolescence is a relatively common, multifactorially determined and recurring problem which often persists into adulthood. Psychometrically robust screening questionnaires and structured interviews facilitate reliable assessment. There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy and family therapy in the treatment of paediatric depression. There is also evidence that SSRIs may be particularly effective for severe depression, although they may carry the risk of increased suicidality.