- Depressed children show differing cognitive styles such as negative attributions and negative perception of self and the future. These cognitive styles may influence the onset and maintenance of a disorder.
- It is essential to understand the difference between cognitive deficiencies and cognitive distortions. 
- Cognitive deficiencies refer to a lack or insufficient cognitive activity in situations where cognitive activity is useful or beneficial to the child's adjustment (perspective-taking or problem solving).
- Cognitive distortions involve active cognitive processing but the thinking is "crooked." For example, these children would exaggerate a threat to their self or misperceive the demands of a particular environment. 
- Kendall et al. (1990) study found no evidence for deficiency in cognitive processing of depressed children. However, they found evidence that suggests depressed children experienced cognitive distortions which was observed through the children's unrealistic or poor self-evaluation. 
- Depression in youth is associated with social skills deficits 

Nature of Depression in Youth

- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an intervention strategy used to treat children with depression. It involves cognitive exercises such as self reflection and the ability of verbal mediation, and self-monitoring to identify irrational or negative distortions. 
- Self monitoring can be difficult depending on the child's age. For example, in a study done by Stark et al. (1987) they found self-monitoring to be hard for children ages 9-12 to comprehend and use successfully. 
- Medication can also be used as a form of treatment for children with anxiety and depression. Although, most of the contemporary literature has observed medication being used on adults with depression or anxiety, so there are precautions that must be taken when applying this knowledge to children. For example, dosage varies from children and adults because children metabolize and excrete drugs differently. 
- Within the scientific community, it is now widely accepted that childhood depression and adulthood depression are similar in presentation.
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) is the most widely used medication with children with depression. 

Interventions for Depression in Youth

- Nature of Depression in Youth
- Interventions for Depression in Youth

Indiana University

It is important to review the treatments of depression and anxiety separately before we can study how they may interact together. 

Treatment of Depression in Youth and Anxiety in Youth

Kendall, P. C., Kortlander, E., Chansky, T. E., &amp; Brady, E. U. (1992). Comorbidity of anxiety and depression in youth: Treatment implications. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 60(6), 869–880. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006x.60.6.869 

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