The good news is that depression in childhood is a treatable condition. The first step to good treatment is recognition. Parents and other caregivers of children need to be alert to the fact that a child whose everyday functioning is impaired may have depression, particularly if one or more risk factors are present. Step two involves obtaining a good evaluation. This evaluation of the child should be by a health or mental health professional.
Diagnosis is based on a good clinical interview.
There is no blood test for depression. Step three is treatment. Many options are available. This care can usually occur in an outpatient setting but some children may require hospitalization if the depression is severe or concerns about suicide are prominent. In addition to psychotherapy, some children may require antidepressant medications.