Children aren’t small adults. Most doctors recognize that fact. It’s an important part of their training to know the differences and how to change procedures to conform to the differences. For instance, a toddler’s head is heavier, in proportion to the rest of the body than an adults.
This applies to psychology as well. As an example, thoughts of suicide can actually go *up* in children taking some antidepressants. Size differences are another problem. An adult dose of antidepressant could kill a six year old.
This only reinforces the question: What do we do?
When it fits into the needs of the child, cognitive behavior therapy may help. This is a broad term for several different formats, but it is a place to start. When a child suffers from depression, which is an actual illness, a lot of care has to be taken. In CBT, usually the whole family takes part in the sessions.
There’s a good reason for that. The parents have to be trained how to use these techniques to help the child when they can’t do it themselves. An adult can take ownership of the problem and make the necessary changes, but children, especially those under twelve don’t have the coping skills necessary. Mom and dad have to take a role.
Sometimes that last word is an important part in retraining the brain. Role playing may show the child that some behaviors aren’t appropriate. A parent that is late getting home doesn’t necessarily equate to said parent being in a deadly car accident. An accidental bump on the playground doesn’t mean aggression on the part of the other child.
One of the nice things about CBT is that it is finite. Going into the program, you’re told that there will be a definite end. In fact, the average number of sessions required is 16, where some other types require years.
There is a down side. CBT does not always work. This is not necessarily anyone’s fault, but no solution fits every problem. It does seem to help in the majority of cases.
Normally here, I’d start to list herbal preparations that can be used. There may be a few that will help, but even with herbal remedies, the differences between children and adults needs to be recognized. St. John’s Wort is not a good idea for most depressed children. The chance is too high that they will have the same reaction that can be caused by prescription antidepressants.
Some of the more mild herbs could help, but you must consult the pediatrician before using them. For children six to twelve, stick to chamomile and lavender. Lavender aromatherapy may also be helpful. For those over twelve, passionflower and jasmine may help.
I’ve studied herbal remedies since 1981 and have been a Master Herbalist since 2004. I’ve written five eBooks on various herbs and the conditions they can help, including one on gout.
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