Childhood Depression

An evidence-based guide to the assessment and treatment of childhood depression with a focus on a family-based approach

Up-to-date overview of the evidence-base

Step-by-step guidance of a family-focused treatment

Downloadable handouts for clinical practice

This volume in the Advances in Psychotherapy series provides the reader with an up-to-date, evidence-based introduction to the assessment and treatment of childhood depression, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation, and adjustment disorders. After exploring the latest knowledge on the diagnosis, course, theories, and contributing factors of childhood depression, the author presents a step-by-step description of family-focused treatment for childhood depression (FFT-CD), which integrates CBT and family therapy goals.

Treatments for depression that work well for adolescents and adults cannot simply be extended to children as their cognitive capabilities are not as fully developed nor stable. FFT-CD focuses on positive and supportive parent–child interactions that support the development of a positive self, helping parents provide the child with additional positive feedback on their developmentally appropriate achievements, and enhancing child and family coping. Downloadable resources include numerous FFT-CD handouts for children and parents. This text should be particularly useful to child or school psychologists, marriage and family therapists, child psychiatrists and anyone working with depressed youth and their families.