Rethinking Pediatric Depression: Early Identification and Emerging Treatments

Depression in youth often presents atypically and progresses rapidly without timely intervention. This session reviews updated diagnostic frameworks, neurodevelopmental factors, and treatment innovations including rapid-acting agents and digital therapeutics. Faculty will discuss strategies for early detection in schools and primary care, family engagement, and risk mitigation. Participants will gain tools to identify depressive symptoms earlier, individualize pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic approaches, and improve long-term outcomes.