Effectiveness of complementary and self-help treatments for depression in children and adolescents

Abstract

Objective: To review the evidence for the effectiveness of complementary and self-help treatments for depression in children and adolescents. Data sources: Systematic literature search using PubMed, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library for 131 treatments up to February 2006. Study selection: There were 13 treatments that had been evaluated in intervention studies. Data extraction: Studies on each treatment were reviewed by one author and checked by a second. A consensus was reached for level of evidence. Data synthesis: Relevant evidence was available for glutamine, S-adenosylmethionine, St John's wort, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, light therapy, massage, art therapy, bibliotherapy, distract..