Research suggests that the prevalence of children with Major Depressive Disorder in Western cultures ranges from 1.9% to 3.4% among primary school children. Amongst teenagers, up to 9% meet criteria for depression in a given moment and approximately 20% experience depression sometime during adolescence. Studies have also found that among children diagnosed with a depressive episode, there is a 70% rate of recurrence within five years. Furthermore, 50% of children with depression will have a recurrence at least once during their adulthood. While there is no gender difference in depression rates up until age 15, after that age the rate among women doubles compared to men. However, in terms of recurrence rates and symptom severity there is no gender difference. In an attempt to explain these findings, one theory asserts that preadolescent women on average have more risk factors for depression when compared to men. These risk factors then combine with the typical stresses and challenges of adolescent development to trigger the onset of depression. Depression in youth and adolescence is associated with a wide array of outcomes that can come later in life for the affected individual. Some of these outcomes include poor physical and mental health, trouble functioning socially, and suicide. Suicidal intent
Like their adult counterparts, children and adolescent depression sufferers are at an increased risk of attempting or committing suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-to-19-year-olds. Adolescent males may be at an even higher risk of suicidal behavior when also presenting with a conduct disorder.
Often psychotherapy teaches coping skills while allowing the teens or children to explore feelings and events in a safe environment.Severe depression, low global functioning, higher scores on suicidality scales, co-existing anxiety, distorted thought processes and feelings of hopelessness are characteristics of adolescent depression that are associated with a poor response to psychotherapy. If there is concomitant family conflict then interpersonal therapy is more effective than cognitive therapy. Talk therapy is one of the best forms of therapy, as the depressed person finds a solace in the one whom he/she is talking to. Through this means, the counselor is able to know and understood fully the mind of the depressed individual. Many people are depressed and simply needs the right person to talk to. This is where the talk therapy comes in as a very helpful solution to those who are in need of it. Cognitive therapy
Cognitive therapy aims to change harmful ways of thinking and reframe negative thoughts in a more positive way. Aims of cognitive therapy include various steps of patient learning. During cognitive behavioral therapy, children and adolescents with depression work with therapists to learn about their diagnosis, how to identify and reshape negative thought patterns, and how to increase engagement in enjoyable activities. CBT-trained therapists work with individuals, families, and groups. The approach can be used to help anyone irrespective of ability, culture, race, gender, or sexual preference. It can be applied with or without concurrent psychopharmacological medication, depending on the severity or nature of each patients problem.