Child and Adolescent Depression Program
The Child and Adolescent Depression Program has a highly integrated clinical, research, and training mission. The clinical team is staffed with child psychiatrists, child psychologists, social workers, and nurses, all of whom specialize in the evaluation and treatment of depression and related illnesses. Individual diagnostic assessments include both clinical interviews with parents and the child, and psychometric assessment of mood symptoms, anxieity symptoms, and attentional symptoms. The University of Michigan M-STRIDES outcomes management tool provides ongoing measurement of these symptoms. In addition to providing clinical services, we conduct research to learn more about early age depression and to develop effective treatments. We also provide training for the next generation of mental health professionals specializing in the recognition, assessment, and treatment of youth depression.
Youth Depression
Children and adolescents of all ages struggle with depression. The rates rise sharply across the adolescent years. As many as 5% of all adolescents suffer from serious depression at any one point in time. Approximately 20% of adolescents will suffer from a depression by the time they enter adulthood. There is no gender-related difference in the rates of depression among elementary-age children. However, there is a noticeable increase in the rate of depression among girls when puberty begins. Many youth with depression may have other difficulties, such as social anxiety, disruptive behaviors, or poor academic performance. These can often be treated or addressed at the same time as the depression.
Knowing the symptoms of depression and making an appointment with a health care provider are important first steps. A professional evaluation helps everyone concerned understand depression and its symptoms. The health care provider will seek to understand the child's developmental history, their current life situation, as well as their strengths and weaknesses in social and academic areas. The treatment team uses this information to determine the most comprehensive diagnosis and treatment possible.
Safe and effective treatments are available and often include a combination of therapy and medication. Mild depression may be treated with therapy alone. Treatments are aimed at (a) decreasing the frequency and level of depressive symptoms; (b) decreasing the negative impact that depression can have on functions in home, school, and peer group settings; and (c) improving the quality of life for the child and their family. Some youth may continue to have depression during their adult lives. However, it's usually possible to treat when diagnosed early on.
How We Treat Depression
The Child and Adolescent Depression Program provides family-centered, multidisciplinary care that is based on evidence found in research. Each child's social and developmental situation is evaluated since preschool children, elementary age children, young adolescents, and older adolescent all have different needs. Because families, schools, and peers are important the Center emphasizes patient and family education. We encourage families to visit the FRIENDS Depression Education and Resource Center as often as desired to help them gain a better understanding of depression. Family support groups which are free of charge are available to families. Individual psychotherapies include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and supportive treatments for youth. Additionally group psychotherapy for children is available.