Growing problem of depressed children

Childhood depression is a growing problem, according to David Campbell, a consultant clinical psychologist and family therapist from Tavistock Clinic, a large child and family treatment centre in London.

Dr Campbell is currently conducting training for Appogg family therapists.

Appogg has a long-standing relationship with Tavistock Clinic, which has led to several training courses and seminars on family therapy in Malta.

Dr Campbell delivered a half-day seminar on childhood depression: diagnosis and treatment - individual and family approaches, organised by the Appogg agency on Saturday.

He said "children are suffering the consequences of family breakdowns and marital problems, which are on the rise in western society.

"It is a problem we should take seriously because depressed children are likely to become depressed adults and there is also a suicide risk."

Dr Campbell claimed that the majority of children who suffered the death of a parent did not get depressed but managed their sadness without being knocked off the track of normal development.

He said there still was no clear research evidence about whether medication was helpful, although there was some evidence about the use of individual therapy.

Dr Campbell said these were very difficult children to treat and that there was a strong case for using a family-based approach because it helped to change the nature of relationships in the family, which were powerful forces in reducing depression.

About 160 participants, including teachers, social workers, psychologists, doctors, psychiatrists, care workers and university students attended the seminar.