History
Before the 1970's, many doctors believed that children were incapable of experiencing depression (Arbor, N.D.) because they lacked the emotional maturity to feel despondent (Macnair, N.D.). In the 1970's, a shift in the perspective of childhood depression began in both the United States and Europe. Doctors began to publish clinical studies and intricate reviews that challenged previous thought (Poznanski, 1979). Treatment such as therapy and medication began to be available to children.
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/emotional_health/mental_health disorders_depression_child2.shtml)
extraction date: october 10, 2012
Depression in Children and adolescents by: alfred french, m.d. and Irving berlin, m.d., 1979
Current View
Childhood depression is taken very seriously these days. When treating childhood depression, doctors will refer the child for an evaluation and then therapy. According to Harrington, Reinecke, Ryan, and DuBois (1998), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is 2-3 times more effective than comparison treatments. Other therapy techniques that can be used include: Deep Breathing and Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Visualization, and Social Skills Training (Barnard, N.D.). If therapy is not completely effective, medication can be used, but must be monitored very closely. Doctors also suggest that children get a regular amount of exercise and eat a balanced diet. This can lessen the symptoms of depression. It is also important that parents become educated about their child's depression. Parents can learn about behaviour management and self-esteem techniques to help improve their child's symptoms.
Depression intervention in schools
Before the 1970's, the majority of children that suffered from depression did not get any extra "help" because childhood depression went unrecognized in most cases. When childhood depression became recognized in mainstream society, children began to get accommodations within the classroom such as: extra help, and a quite place to work.