I'm new to this board and the computer so please bear with me. Does anyone have any info on depression in children and traditional or alternative treatments? My 7yr old son was diagnosed with depression and I'm looking for info. Thanks!!

I am new to the boards and while this thread is a couple of months old, I would be very interested in reading more about depression in children. My daughter's doctor labeled her as having depression. Her teachere says she has selective mutism. We have been to three counseling sessions together so far. These have been just sessions to gather background info and the counselor and I do the majority of the talking. I am very interested in learning more about depression in children. My daughter turns 10 in a month.

hi our son was sick for 14 months before a positive test for lyme disease. you both live in a areas that have a lot of lyme (we do not). our son could not speak for 3 months and had to have therapy, also very depressed and bipolar, social anxiety, totally exhausted, concentration decreased.. missed a lot of school. lyme is very tricky. get to a very good doctor. our son tested negative early in the illness. mutism is sometimes seen in lyme. doctors do not often know about this as it is rare. see cheryls lyme page for lots of goodies. or e-mail me at circleterr@aol.com good luck, the answer is there! cathy

my 8 yr old was diagnosed with anxiety/depression, too.
reluctantly, in fact---extremely reluctantly, we went ahead and, along with counseling, got him to a doctor who put him on Paxil. he's doing much better now, and we can see that the medicine is helping him to think toward recovery.
it's a sad thing when a child needs this kind of help, sure, but how wonderful that it is available at all. if it turns out that your child needs meds to heal, then so be it. check with your doctor to find out what the best treatment can be.
in fact...check with more than one doctor! (we tried 3) and then do what you feel is best for your dear one. there is light.