What is often recommended as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate pediatric depression?

In cases of mild to moderate pediatric depression, psychotherapy and counseling are recommended as a first-line treatment because these approaches focus on addressing the underlying issues, teaching coping strategies, and providing emotional support, which can lead to long-term improvements in a child's mental health. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy are common forms of psychotherapy utilized for this purpose and have been shown to be effective for children and adolescents.

These therapeutic interventions help children articulate their feelings, develop better problem-solving skills, and enhance their ability to cope with challenging situations. In many cases, especially for mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy can be as effective as medication and might not have the side effects that some pharmaceuticals can cause.

While other treatments such as hospitalization, medication-only approaches, or electroconvulsive therapy are sometimes appropriate in specific scenarios—such as severe depression or when symptoms are life-threatening—they do not serve as the first-line option for cases that are classified as mild to moderate.