NICE Guidelines on management of mild Depression in children

• For children and young people with diagnosed mild depression who do not want an intervention or who, in the opinion of the healthcare professional, may recover with no intervention, a further assessment should be arranged, normally within 2 weeks ('watchful waiting'). [2005]


• Healthcare professionals should make contact with children and young people with depression who do not attend follow‑up appointments. [2005]

Treatments for mild depression

For children and young people with learning disabilities, see the recommendations on psychological interventions in the NICE guideline on mental health problems in people with learning disabilities.

• Antidepressant medication should not be used for the initial treatment of children and young people with mild depression. [2005]


• Discuss the choice of psychological therapies with children and young people with mild depression and their family members or carers (as appropriate). Explain:

• Base the choice of psychological therapy on:

• For 5- to 11‑year‑olds with mild depression continuing after 2 weeks of watchful waiting, and without significant comorbid problems or active suicidal ideas or plans, consider the following options adapted to developmental level as needed:

• For 12- to 18‑year‑olds with mild depression continuing after 2 weeks of watchful waiting, and without significant comorbid problems or active suicidal ideas or plans, offer a choice of the following psychological therapies for a limited period (approximately 2 to 3 months):

• If the options in recommendation 1.5.7 would not meet the clinical needs of a 12- to 18‑year‑old with mild depression or are unsuitable for their circumstances, consider:

• Provide psychological therapies in settings such as schools and colleges, primary care, social services and the voluntary sector. [2019]


• If mild depression in a child or young person has not responded to psychological therapy after 2 to 3 months, refer the child or young person for review by a CAMHS team. [2019]


• Follow the recommendations on treating moderate to severe depression for children and young people who have continuing depression after 2 to 3 months of psychological therapy. [2019]

For more details click on the link: www.nice.org.uk