Child and adolescent depression (CAD) is a frequent disorder, which may have a recurring and chronic course and, as a result may cause significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, antidepressant medications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are the treatment options whose efficacies have been proven in the treatment of CAD. Here, pharmacotherapy of CAD will be reviewed and priority will be given to prospective, methodologically more reliable and comparable studies, published in the past ten years. Studies on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other medications, along with those comparing or combining medications to behavioral treatments will be summarized. Furthermore, suggestions regarding the treatment of CAD with and without comorbidities and possible side effects will be evaluated.
Key words: Depression, child, adolescent, pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy
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