Child Depression Treatment

Watching a child struggle with depression can be heart-wrenching. At Interborough, we provide a beacon of hope for families navigating this challenging journey. Our expert therapists specialize in child depression, offering compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to your child’s unique emotional and developmental needs.

We believe in a holistic approach, combining therapy with family support, to foster resilience and emotional well-being in children. Our goal is not just to alleviate symptoms, but to equip your child with lifelong skills for happiness and mental health. Trust us to be your partner in bringing light back into your child’s life.

TL;DR

Childhood depression is more than temporary sadness; it is diagnosed when symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, sleep or appetite changes, and loss of interest last most of the day for at least two weeks, significantly affecting daily life. Not all children display every symptom, but even mild cases benefit from treatment. IDCC, with licensed specialists in child psychiatry, offers therapies like CBT, family therapy, and group therapy, sometimes combined with medication when necessary. Research shows combination treatment can be highly effective, improving coping skills, relationships, and overall well-being for children and adolescents.

Depression in children

Children develop at a rapid pace. As such, ups and downs as well as mood changes are natural experiences as they mature. Just because a child seems sad does not necessarily mean he or she has Depression. If the sadness becomes persistent, or interferes with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life, it may indicate that he or she has a depressive illness. Keep in mind that while Depression is a serious illness, it is also a treatable one.Symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with Depression.

Some of these symptoms include:

Severe Anxiety or worry
Restlessness or feeling edge
Constant fatigue
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
Irritability
Decreased energy or fatigue
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Moving or talking more slowly
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Digestive problems without a clear physical cause

Not everyone who is depressed experiences all the symptoms associated with Depression. Even those children with only a few symptoms may benefit from treatment of their “subsyndromal” Depression. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last will vary depending on the child. They may also depend on the stage of the illness.

WHY IDCC?

IDCC has many licensed professionals who treat thousands of children or adolescents with Depression each year. Many of our clinicians have received specialized training in child psychiatry and some exclusively with children and adolescents. Thus, we understand the unique issues facing kids and teens, and how best to treat them.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Various types of psychotherapy including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy, family therapy, supportive psychotherapy, and group psychotherapy may be used initially, to treat youths with Depression. Such combined treatments, that use various approaches, increase the likelihood of not only mitigating depressive symptoms but also of improving self-esteem, coping skills, adaptive strategies, and family and peer relationships.

A number of research trials have shown the effectiveness of Depression medications in relieving the symptoms of childhood Depression. One study, by the National Institute of Mental Health, reviewed different approaches to treating adolescents and found that 71% of the adolescents who received combination treatment with a popular antidepressant and psychotherapy had fewer symptoms. Due to the severity of certain antidepressant medications, IDCC clinicians will many times start with conventional talk therapies and only prescribe such medications if deemed safe and necessary.

Key Takeaways

Depression in Children
- Mood swings and sadness are normal, but persistent symptoms interfering with daily life may indicate depression.
- For diagnosis, symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent sadness, anxiety, or “empty” mood.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, or helplessness.
- Irritability, restlessness, or trouble sitting still.
- Fatigue, decreased energy, or slowed movement/speech.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities.
- Sleep problems (insomnia, early awakening, or oversleeping).
- Appetite or weight changes.
- Physical complaints without clear medical cause (e.g., digestive issues).
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts in severe cases.
- Symptom severity and duration vary by child and illness stage.
Treatment at IDCC
- Staffed by licensed professionals with specialized training in child psychiatry.
- Psychotherapy options include CBT, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, family therapy, supportive therapy, and group therapy.
- Combination treatments address depressive symptoms, self-esteem, coping skills, and relationships.
- Antidepressants may be prescribed when necessary, often combined with psychotherapy.
- A National Institute of Mental Health study showed 71% improvement in adolescents with combined medication and therapy.
Overall Approach
- Depression is serious but treatable.
- Early diagnosis and tailored treatment can help children regain emotional stability, improve daily functioning, and build long-term resilience.

Supporting Brooklyn’s Young Minds

Discover our dedicated Children’s Mental Health Services in Brooklyn. We’re committed to providing local, accessible, and expert mental health care for children and adolescents.