For children and young people with mild depression, consider watchful waiting if the person and/or their family do not want a formal intervention and the healthcare professional believes they may recover without treatment. Arrange a follow-up after 2 weeks to reassess the patient. Contact children and young people who do not attend follow-up appointments. If depression persists after watchful waiting, offer psychological intervention, which should be provided by trained therapists in settings such as schools, primary care, or voluntary sectors NICE CKS.
Antidepressants should not be used for initial treatment of mild depression in children and young people NICE CKS.
Discuss the choice of psychological therapies with the young person and their family, explaining what each involves, the evidence base, and how they meet individual needs and preferences NICE NG134.
Options include digital cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), group CBT, non-directive supportive therapy (NDST), or interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). If these are unsuitable, consider attachment-based family therapy or individual CBT NICE NG134.
Provide information on support groups and encourage lifestyle advice such as structured exercise, healthy diet, and good sleep hygiene. Support self-help strategies like CBT-based leaflets, online programs, or exercise sessions NICE CKS.