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Children with depression will be able to access NHS-backed therapy via their smartphones, under new guidance.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a treatment for children and young people aged five to 18 who are suffering from mild depression.

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GPs will enable digital CBT programs, which can be accessed via smartphones, computers and tablets.

Modules may include writing down feelings, answering questions to identify dysfunctional thinking

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Other modules may appear on developing coping strategies, setting goals and finding ways to improve self esteem.

Some programs alert children as identified as potentially suicidal thoughts to go back to their doctor or counselor for more help.

Nice said digital CBT can help cut waiting lists and give access to children and young people.


It is recommending the therapy in draft guidance for children with continuing symptoms of mild depression who do not have other significant health conditions or suicidal thoughts.

The Group CBT is also recommends the guidelines as an option and doctors were told to take the account of the child's or carer's preferences.

Paul Chrisp, Director of the Center for the guidelines on Nice, said: "In this update to our depression in children's guide, we reviewed for the most effective psychological interventions for children and young people with depression.

"Depression for treatment when receiving guidance on the guideline update emphasizes the importance of a child or young person's personal choice.

"We want to ensure children are offered a range of therapies to suit their needs and personal preferences.

"The evidence showed digital CBT and group therapy was most effective at reducing depressive symptoms and we have recommended these as first-line options for children and young people with mild depression."

Claire Murdoch, NHS England's national mental health director, said: "Given how quickly technology is constantly evolving and the fact that young people are usually at the forefront of this change, updating this draft guidance is another step forward.

"Digital and online interventions can play a effective and important role in treatment, specially when backed up by face-to-face support, and the NHS long-term plan makes clear that the health service will continue to look at the benefits of the advancements. can bring. "

Dr. Bernadka Dubicka, chairwoman of the child and adolescent faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: "We know there is a huge demand for treatment, and digital CBT can be one option.

"Some young people may find this approach very helpful, but it is important that other options are available as some young people can have face-to-face treatment."

Digital CBT is already recommended for adults with mild to moderate depression.

Maharashtra: Key changes in Congress ranks

Rahul Gandhi (File)

CONGRESS PRESIDENT Rahul Gandhi has made key changes in the party ranks in Maharashtra with an eye on the Lok Sabha elections. In a major rejig, Rahul has replaced presidents of 13 district party committees in the state.

With sources confirming that the rejig proposal had been recommended by state Congress president Ashok Chavan, the move is being seen in the party circles as egging Chavan’s leadership in the state, ahead of the polls.

Six district presidents in the Mumbai 

Metropolitan Region — Raigad, Ulhasnagar, Mira Bhayander, Panvel, Navi Mumbai — where the party is still grappling with factionalism, have been replaced. On similar lines, the district heads of Nashik, Jalgaon (north 

Maharashtra), Wardha, Chandrapur (Vidarbha), Jalna, Osmanabad (Marathwada), Kolhapur (rural), and Satara (western Maharashtra) have been replaced.

Former state minister Prakash Awade has been appointed as the district president of Kolhapur (rural), ending a 19-year tenure for former legislator and heavyweight P N Patil.

Meanwhile, through various poll committees — on manifesto, coordination, election and campaign — announced on Wednesday, the Congress high command has sent a message that it wants to “take everyone along”, as it bids to upset the BJP in Maharashtra.

A senior leader said that the party leadership has ensured that all rival camps are adequately represented in these committees. Also, all senior leaders have been assigned responsibilities. While All India Congress Committee’s Maharashtra in charge, Mallikarjun Kharge, will head the party’s coordination committee in the state, Chavan will lead the election committee. Former CMs Prithviraj Chavan and Sushil Kumar Shinde have been made in charges of the manifesto and campaign committees, respectively.

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