The Cochrane library and the treatment of major depression in children and youth: an overview of reviews

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundMajor depression (MDD) in children and adolescents is a mood disorder that has up to 25% lifetime prevalence by the end of adolescence. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments are recommended to reduce symptoms, increase psychosocial functioning, and prevent relapse. Traditionally, decisions for these treatments were made based on reported effects for adults, but a body of pediatric‐based evidence is now emerging to inform treatment decisions.ObjectivesTo synthesize the evidence currently in the Cochrane Library Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) related to the question: ‘In children and youth with diagnosed major depression, do pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic treatments improve symptom response, response rates, functional capacity, adherence and persistence, and decrease cost and adverse events?’.MethodsCDSR was searched using the term ‘depression’ in the title for all systematic reviews examining pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for the treatment of depression in children ⩽18 years. Data were extracted and entered into tables; data were synthesized using qualitative and quantitative methods.Main ResultsOf the studies included in the CDSR, there was no significant improvement in treatment outcomes in depressed children and adolescents treated with pharmacological (tricyclic antidepressant [TCA] or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI]) or nonpharmacological (exercise) interventions.Author's ConclusionsAlthough this overview indicates no clear evidence for pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for treatment of depression in this age group, the CDSR does not include several recent research publications in this area that demonstrate beneficial effects of treatment. In context of existing research there may be a moderate effect of SSRI in moderate to severe depression in children and youth. Best practice recommendations are consideration of treatment with SSRI (fluoxetine first line) in moderate to severe depression with close monitoring and weighing risk/benefit profile based on individual assessment. Psychotherapeutic interventions not in this overview, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), have some evidence of effectiveness in mild to moderate depression. Although exercise remains an important part of healthy living, there is no evidence to support its use in treatment of depression in children and adolescents. This overview in the context of recent research indicates the need for ongoing study in this important area of child and youth mental health. Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration