Published in March 2026, the guideline summarizes the current state of research and provides concrete recommendations for the psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care of young people with depression. The revision was led by DZPG researcher Prof. Gerd Schulte-Körne from the Munich–Augsburg DZPG partner site and coordinated by the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy at LMU University Hospital Munich on behalf of the German Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy (DGKJP).
Background: Depression in Childhood and Adolescence
Depressive disorders are among the most common mental health conditions worldwide and can occur as early as childhood. Prevalence rises significantly during adolescence, reaching approximately eight percent. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified this trend.
Depressive disorders can impair psychosocial development and increase the risk of additional mental and physical health conditions. Because depression manifests differently in children and adolescents than in adults, and because treatments may have different effects, findings from adult medicine cannot be directly transferred to younger populations.
Key Updates and Additions to the Guideline
1. Age-Specific Recommendations Introduced for the First Time
For the first time, the guideline provides separate recommendations for three age groups: young children (3–6 years), older children (7–12 years), and adolescents (13–18 years). This differentiation reflects the varying developmental stages of young people.
Family-based approaches play a particularly important role for younger children. For children aged 7 to 12 years, Family-Based Interpersonal Therapy is recommended as an alternative first-line treatment. For children aged 3 to 6 years, Parent–Child Interaction Therapy – Emotion Development (PCIT-ED) is emphasized. This therapeutic approach strengthens the parent-child relationship through guided interactions and supports the child’s emotional regulation.
2. Psychotherapy Remains the Primary Treatment
For all age groups and levels of severity, the guideline continues to recommend psychotherapy as the primary treatment option. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) remains the first-line approach. It aims to help individuals identify and modify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior.
At the same time, recommendations for pharmacological treatment in moderate to severe depression have been expanded. In addition to fluoxetine, sertraline and escitalopram are now also considered first-line medication options.
3. Greater Role for Complementary Interventions
For the first time, the guideline explicitly recommends physical activity and exercise, creative arts therapies, and supportive services provided through child and youth welfare programs.
The guideline also strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration among physicians, psychotherapists, occupational therapists, art therapists, and movement therapists.
4. Stronger Involvement of Children and Parents
Children and adolescents, together with their parents or legal guardians, should be more actively involved in treatment decisions in the future.
To support this goal, more information materials will be developed in simple, age-appropriate language. This will enable treatment decisions to be made collaboratively between healthcare professionals, young people, and their families, based on scientific evidence as well as individual needs, resources, and expectations.
Information Portal for Parents, Children, and Adolescents
Alongside the publication of the guideline, the portal “ich bin alles” (“I Am Everything”) has been comprehensively updated. The platform translates the guideline into accessible language for children, adolescents, and their families.
DZPG researchers Prof. Ellen Greimel and Prof. Gerd Schulte-Körne from the Munich–Augsburg DZPG partner site have played a key role in developing the portal. It offers age-appropriate information on the causes and treatment options for depression, as well as personal experiences, podcasts, and videos presented in youth-friendly language.
In addition, “ich bin alles @School” provides teachers with evidence-based information on depression and mental health, along with free online training opportunities.
Further Resources:
- S3 Guideline: Treatment of Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents
- ich bin alles Information Portal for Children, Adolescents, and Parents
- ich bin alles @School – Information Resource for Teachers
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