Child Depression Adolescent Depression Phoenix Scottsdale Tempe Counseling
Treatment options for children with depression are similar to those for adults, including psychotherapy (counseling) and medicine . The role that family and the child’s environment play in the treatment process is different from that of adults. Many primary care physicians’ may suggest psychotherapy/ counseling first, and consider antidepressant medicine as an additional option if there is no significant improvement. Currently, there are no good studies documenting the effectiveness of medicine over psychotherapy in children.
There is a lot of controversy about using medication with children. Children and teens are still developing and hormones are rapidly changing. The FDA has warnings on antidepressant medications in that it increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents.
Children with bipolar disorder are usually treated with psychotherapy, counseling, and a combination of medicines, usually an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer. Use of an antidepressant alone can trigger bouts of mania.
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.
Many parents prefer counseling with a specialist that does counseling and psychotherapy with children, teens, and adolescents. Counseling and psychotherapy are natural methods to treat mood and behavior. Family counseling is a part of the process. It is important for parents to be a part of the process.
