Camali Clinic, child & adult mental health
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About Service

Depression Treatment for Children & Adolescents in Dubai

Making Lives Better

Depression in children and adolescents is more than persistent sadness. It can present as irritability, withdrawal, school refusal, physical complaints, and loss of interest in activities a young person previously enjoyed.

Depression treatment for children and adolescents at Camali Clinic Dubai
Consultant-led care Dubai Healthcare City & JLT
In Detail

Depression Treatment for Children

Left untreated, childhood depression can have a significant impact on development, academic achievement, and social relationships. At Camali Clinic, our specialist team provides accurate assessment and evidence-based treatment tailored to the unique needs of children and teenagers.

A session at Camali Clinic
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Symptoms may include

  • Persistent sadness, emptiness, or – especially in children – irritability and angry outbursts
  • Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities previously liked (sports, games, social activities)
  • Fatigue, low energy, and slowed thinking or movement
  • Changes in sleep – difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively
  • Changes in appetite or weight – eating significantly more or less than usual
  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions – often noticed at school
  • Social withdrawal – pulling away from friends, family, and activities
  • Somatic complaints – frequent headaches, stomach aches, or other physical symptoms without a clear medical cause
  • School refusal, decline in academic performance, or loss of motivation
02

Treatment Approaches

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) adapted for children and adolescents – addressing negative thinking patterns and building behavioural activation
  • Behavioural activation – gradually increasing engagement in positive, meaningful activities to improve mood
  • Interpersonal Therapy for Adolescents (IPT-A) – focusing on improving relationships and communication as a pathway to mood improvement
  • Parent and family involvement – helping parents understand depression and support their child's recovery at home
  • School liaison – collaborating with teachers and school counsellors to support re-engagement with education
  • Psychiatry consultation for medication review where depression is moderate to severe or has not responded to therapy
Who needs it?

Who this service is for

Children and adolescents experiencing persistent low mood, irritability, loss of interest, social withdrawal, or other signs of depression that are interfering with school, friendships, or family life – lasting more than two weeks.

Our Team

We are here to guide you

Meet the specialists who bring compassion, knowledge, and experience to every aspect of care.

Specific FAQs

Questions about this service

Children often present with irritability rather than sadness, physical complaints, school refusal, and regressive behaviours. Recognising these presentations is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Psychological therapy is the first-line treatment for children and adolescents. Medication may be considered for moderate to severe cases alongside therapy, and is always carefully monitored by a specialist.