Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Suicidal Behavior in Children

Abstract

Mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, affect a significant number of youth, increasing youths' risk for suicide. Cognitive behavioral therapy has strong empirical support as an effective treatment for youth mood disorders and for youth suicide attempters. This chapter provides a brief review of the field's understanding of youth mood disorders and summarizes the existing evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for youth mood disorders and suicidality. Specific cognitive behavioral therapy treatment components are described for youth with mood disorders and suicidality, including psychoeducation, behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, problem solving, communication enhancement, social skills training, relaxation training, safety planning, and medication management. Finally, key treatment considerations when working with a youth population are discussed, and promising future directions for the study and treatment of youth mood disorders and suicidality are noted.