NHS to prescribe "treatment by application" to children with mild depression | Society

By the age of five, children will be able to get help for mild depression through their smartphone apps, after NHS treatment counselors have recommended the use of such devices.

In the future, under-18s in England and Wales will be able to use digital cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) via mobile phones and computers to help manage their feelings of bad mood. This will help them avoid potentially long delays in seeing a therapist and reduce the strain on NHS child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), according to new guidelines from the National Institute of Health and care (NICE).

Although CBT is already commonly available for adults with certain mental health issues, this is the first time that NICE recommends it as being helpful for children ages five to eight. The institute informs the NHS of the most clinically effective treatments that represent the best value for money.

"Digital computer training is provided on mobile phones, tablets or computers and can be made readily available, avoiding waiting lists and giving children and youth faster access to psychological help. NICE said.

It should be used as a first-line treatment – what doctors think they routinely prescribe – for this condition in this age group.

The agency said that "digital TBI can be offered to children or youth aged 5 to 18 years old with persistent symptoms of mild depression and no other significant health problems. suicidal thoughts ".

His expert advisory group also recommended three other forms of treatment – group CBT, group interpersonal psychotherapy and group awareness – equally useful for the same age group.

"Evidence has shown that digital CBT and group therapy are the most effective at reducing depressive symptoms and we have recommended them as first-line options for children and youth with mild depression," said Paul Chrisp. Director of the NICE Center for Guidelines.

The guidelines describe the factors that health professionals should consider when evaluating the treatment to recommend.

"The history and circumstances of the child or adolescent should be taken into account, such as the family context and how they might work in school. It is also important to take into account the level of development and maturity of the child or adolescent in treatment, "said NICE.

The experienced doctors welcomed NICE's move. "It's a positive step that offers two obvious benefits," said Dr. Max Davie, head of health promotion at the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health. "First, it will allow young people to have faster access to help without having to go through the traditional pathways of CAMHS, and second, it will probably be beneficial for young people who are struggling to cope with the treatments offered in the programs. clinical. "

But, added Davie, "there are some question marks on how this can be made available via the NHS, so I look forward to hearing more details in due course."

Dr. Bernadka Dubicka, faculty chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists for Children and Adolescents, said, "We know that there is a high demand for treatment and that digital CBT may be an option among others. . Some young people may find this approach very useful, but it is important that other options are available as some youth may prefer to benefit from face-to-face treatment.