Childhood depression: A place for psychotherapy - An outcome study comparing individual psychodynamic psychotherapy and family therapy

Abstract

Background: Although considered clinically effective, there is little systematic research confirming the use of Individual Psychodynamic Psychotherapy or Family Therapy as treatments for depression in children and young adolescents. Aims: A clinical trial assessed the effectiveness of these two forms of psychotherapy in treating moderate and severe depression in this age group. Methods: A randomised control trial was conducted with 72 patients aged 9-15 years allocated to one of two treatment groups. Results: Significant reductions in disorder rates were seen for both Individual Therapy and Family Therapy. A total of 74.3% of cases were no longer clinically depressed following Individual Therapy and 75.7% of cases were no longer clinically depressed following Family Therapy. This included cases of Dysthymia and "Double Depression" (co-existing Major Depressive Disorder and Dysthymia). There was also an overall reduction in co-morbid conditions across the study. The changes in both treatment groups were persistent and there was ongoing improvement. At follow up six months after treatment had ended, 100% of cases in the Individual Therapy group, and 81% of cases in the Family Therapy group were no longer clinically depressed. Conclusions: This study provides evidence supporting the use of focused forms of both Individual Psychodynamic Therapy and Family Therapy for moderate to severe depression in children and young adolescents. © 2007 Steinkopff Verlag.