OnMedica – News – Digital CBT recommended for children with mild depression

NICE publishes draft directive on first-line treatment

According to NICE, digital cognitive behavioral therapy (digital CBT, also known as computerized CBT) can be offered to children and youth as a first-line treatment for mild depression.

NICE has published a draft directive that states that general practitioners can consider sending children and young people to this type of treatment.

The CBT digital is provided on mobile phones, tablets or computers, allowing users to quickly access help, avoiding waiting lists. Group CBT, group interpersonal psychotherapy and group awareness are also recommended as first-line treatments.

The draft recommendation has been rapidly updated to NICE's existing directive on depression in children and young people aged 5 to 18 years.

According to the new guidelines, the choice of treatment should be based on the clinical needs and preferences of the patient and caregiver, and clinicians should also consider the background, status and maturity of the adolescent.

GPs may also consider referring youth with mild persistent depression but no significant co-morbidities or suicidal ideation to group therapy (CBT or interpersonal psychotherapy) or mindfulness.

If the psychological treatment reacts shortly after two or three months among the affected youth, GPs may consider referring them for review by a team from CAMHS (Child and Youth Mental Health Services).

Paul Chrisp, director of the NICE Center for Guidelines, said: "In this update of our directive on childhood depression, we reviewed the evidence of the most effective psychological interventions for children and young people suffering from of depression. The guideline update highlights the importance of the child's or adolescent's personal choice when receiving treatment for depression.

"We want to ensure that children are offered a range of therapies tailored to their needs, with individual preferences at the heart of their care. 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 young people with mild depression. "

Claire Murdoch, NHS England National Director of Mental Health, said: "Given the speed with which technology is evolving and the fact that young people are generally at the forefront of this change, the update of this draft directive is another step forward.

"Digital and online interventions can play an important and effective role in treatment, especially when they benefit from direct support, and the long-term plan of the NHS makes it clear that the health service will continue to look for the benefits of these advances. . "

The guideline is in consultation until February 20th.