Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Contents
Diagnosis and Treatment
Depressive disorders are also serious mental health conditions in childhood and adolescence. They can significantly impair emotional well-being, behaviour and everyday life at school and in social settings. Affected children and young people often experience persistent low mood, a loss of interest and a reduced enjoyment of activities that they previously found rewarding.
Depressive symptoms do not always manifest themselves clearly in young people. As well as sadness, irritability, withdrawal or – particularly in children – agitated and impulsive behaviour may also occur. Many of those affected find their situation distressing, but feel overwhelmed without professional support. Early specialist assessment is therefore of great importance.
Treatment of Depression in Children and Adolescents
At the Verus Clinic, we support children and young people with depressive disorders, as well as their families, using a personalised, professionally grounded treatment approach. The aim is to provide guidance, help them understand their symptoms and make it easier for them to cope with distressing emotions in their day-to-day lives.
Our approach is holistic in nature and takes into account both psychological and physical aspects. Treatment takes place in a structured, supportive environment that conveys a sense of security, transparency and reliability. Trust, respect and professional care form the basis of our therapeutic work.
Based on a thorough assessment, the multi-disciplinary team at the Verus Clinic develops a personalised treatment plan. This takes into account the patient’s personal circumstances, family background and any potential stress factors.
Treatment Approaches for Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents
At the Verus Clinic, the treatment of depression in children and adolescents is based on a multimodal approach. Depending on the individual situation, various therapeutic methods may be combined.
Possible treatment approaches include, amongst others:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Systemic therapy involving the family
- Psychotherapeutic approaches based on depth psychology
- Intensive work with parents and carers
- Mindfulness-based and stabilising approaches
- Psychological testing to identify potential stress
factors
Where there is a medical indication, drug treatment may be considered as a complementary option. This is always carried out following careful assessment by a specialist and with regular monitoring.
Symptoms of Depression in Children and Young People
Depressive disorders can manifest themselves in various ways in children and young people. The symptoms affect emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioural aspects.
Common signs may include:
- Persistent sadness, low mood or irritability
- Loss of interest in or enjoyment of activities that used to be important
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Low energy levels and rapid fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulties with concentration and decision-making
- Withdrawal from social contact
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- In children, this may also manifest as agitated, impulsive or oppositional behaviour
Not all symptoms occur at the same time. Their severity may vary from person to person and may change over time.
Diagnosis of Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents
The diagnosis of depressive disorders begins with a comprehensive medical history taken by experienced specialist doctors and psychotherapists. During consultations with the child or young person, as well as with their parents or carers, emotional, behavioural and physical symptoms are systematically assessed.
The aim of the diagnostic process is to obtain a comprehensive and nuanced picture, to rule out any possible physical causes and to identify any contributing stress factors. The diagnostic procedures are age-appropriate and are based on recognised criteria in child and adolescent psychiatry.
Personal Advice
Do you have any questions about the diagnosis or treatment of depression in children and young people?
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Our treatment methods
How We Can Treat You and Help You
Diagnostic procedures at the Verus Clinic therefore include a detailed initial medical history, selected psychological tests and the latest neuropsychological assessment methods.
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