Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy of pediatric depression.
BACKGROUND
Depressive disorders in children and adolescents are prevalent and impairing. Current available treatments of childhood depression have advanced over the years but still leave many patients with residual symptoms.


METHODS
We here review the pharmacotherapy and psychoptherapy of pediatric major depressive disorder. We conducted a Pubmed review on this topic covering the last 30 years.


RESULTS
The reader will learn about the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of the different pediatric depression treatment modalities. We review evidence-based treatments, namely cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and antidepressant treatments. We critically review the extant clinical trials for these treatments, and discuss both antidepressants efficacy and adverse events, including risk for suicidal events.


CONCLUSIONS
Current treatments lead to a sustained response rate of up to 80% and a remission rate of 60% by 6 months, but we are in need of more personalized treatment to optimize treatment response. The identification of biomarkers of response may be the first step towards personalized treatment development.
Maalouf
Fadi T
FT
Department of Psychiatry, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. fm38@aub.edu.lb
Brent
David A
DA
D000293:Adolescent; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011613:Psychotherapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents