Cognitive Therapy of Childhood Depression

Developmental Considerations
  • Robert L. Leahy
Chapter
Part of the Perspectives in Developmental Psychology book series (PDPS)

Abstract

Although the existence of childhood depression has been debated for some time, there is a growing consensus among clinicians and researchers that depression exists among children (Bemporad, 1978; Carlson & Cantwell, 1980). Of equal importance, there is also increasing recognition that childhood depression may not be a unitary syndrome (Blatt, 1974; Leahy, 1983). In this chapter, childhood depression is considered from a developmental perspective. It is proposed that two types of depression can be distinguished, each with a unique set of maladaptive cognitions. The role of social-cognitive development in the formation of depressive cognitions is examined. Finally, treatment strategies are considered in the context of children’s cognitive development.

Keywords

Cognitive Therapy Developmental Level Cognitive Distortion Automatic Thought Childhood Depression 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 1988

Authors and Affiliations

  • Robert L. Leahy
    • 1
  1. 1.Center for Cognitive TherapyNew YorkUSA

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