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The goal of treatment is to improve the
symptoms, prevent the illness from returning and help the young
person lead a normal life. Families play an important role in
recognising the illness, supporting young person through treatment
and also preventing the illness from coming back. It is therefore
very important that you understand the condition.
Depending on how depression is affecting your
child, how severe it is, they may need different treatments. When
they have severe symptoms or have difficulties like having serious
suicidal thoughts or other risky behaviours, they may need
medications and also sometimes admission to hospital.
Psychological or talking treatments and medication, both
may have an important role in treatment of this
condition.
- Talking treatments (also known as
‘psychotherapies’)
Psychological therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
or ‘interpersonal therapy’ may be tried before considering other
possibilities such as medication. However, this can depend upon the
individual’s illness or their personal circumstances.
Certain antidepressant medications, known as
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been shown to
be beneficial to children and adolescents with severe
depression.
Medication once started should not be stopped
suddenly. Medication may be needed for months or even years. Some
people may, under medical supervision, be able to stop their
medication when they have recovered and have felt well for a
while.
They may need physical examinations and tests
(like blood tests) before starting the treatment, or while on
medication. It is important that if the young person is prescribed
medication that they are seen regularly by their doctor or
psychiatrist.
There are side-effects to medication, some of
which can be quite serious. The psychiatrist will be able to advise
you about what they are and about what can be done to help. The
risk of side-effects needs to be balanced against the risk of the
damaging effects of the illness on a person's life.
No young person should be taking medication
unless they are reviewed regularly by a health professional. This
is to monitor the dose of the drug and to check for
side-effects.
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Recognising and understanding your child’s
illness is a huge step in knowing how you can help. When your child
becomes irritable or even does something risky, it is common you
feel angry or upset. It is important that you try to remain calm
and be honest about letting them know what you feel and seek
help.
Some children may be reluctant to talk to you
about it, although they might do talk to someone at school, friends
or their GP or a professional for young people at health centre or
CAMHS. It is important to encourage them to talk to someone they
can trust, as well as seeking professional help.
Having little chats, spending time with them
like watching TV, cooking and even physical activities like
walking can help to lift their mood even if they say they do not
want to do it. A healthy diet and physical exercise can help
improve their mood. (add link or see leaflet on exercise and mental
health)
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