An evidence-based guide to the assessment and treatment of childhood depression with a focus on
a family-based approach Up-to-date overview of the evidence-base Step-by-step guidance of a
family-focused treatment Downloadable handouts for clinical practice This volume in the
Advances in Psychotherapy series provides the reader with an up-to-date evidence-based
introduction to the assessment and treatment of childhood depression including major
depressive disorder persistent depressive disorder disruptive mood dysregulation and
adjustment disorders. After exploring the latest knowledge on the diagnosis course theories
and contributing factors of childhood depression the author presents a step-by-step
description of family-focused treatment for childhood depression (FFT-CD) which integrates CBT
and family therapy goals. Treatments for depression that work well for adolescents and adults
cannot simply be extended to children as their cognitive capabilities are not as fully
developed nor stable. FFT-CD focuses on positive and supportive parent-child interactions that
support the development of a positive self helping parents provide the child with additional
positive feedback on their developmentally appropriate achievements and enhancing child and
family coping. Downloadable resources include numerous FFT-CD handouts for children and
parents. This text should be particularly useful to child or school psychologists marriage and
family therapists child psychiatrists and anyone working with depressed youth and their
families.
