Describes many non-medication alternatives treating childhood mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. These include many types of psychotherapy such as psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, family and group therapy.
Ages
All Ages
Age Groups
Infancy (<1), Toddlerhood (1-3), Preschool/Kindergarten (3-5), School Age (6-12)
There are many ways to treat your child's mood disorders that
don't involve medication. Here's a list of different kinds and
their appropriateness for different personalities:
Individual or Group Cognitive/Behavioral Approaches. These
approaches are good for less severe cases. Improvement is
usually seen after 3 months.
Psychodynamic therapy. This is good for children with low self-esteem.
It provides a safe place to explore feelings.
Cognitive Therapy. This approach is good for verbal teens. It helps
challenge negative thoughts, actions and feelings.
Behavioral Therapy. This is good for school-age children with cooperative
parents. In this approach, negative experiences are played down. The child is helped
to pay attention positive experiences.
Family Therapy. This approach is good for stressed families. It helps to
identify and shift family patterns and other things that get in the way of change.
Group Therapy. This is good for developing social skills and support.
Children learn and practice how to get along with others.
Parental Guidance. This approach is good for confused and overwhelmed
parents. It deals with behaviors due to depression in a child or parent.
Environmental Intervention. This is good for school-age children with
low self-esteem. It provides role models and positive experiences. It also supports the
child to achieve in school.
