Conditions We Treat
Assessment and personalised support for children and young people experiencing persistent changes in mood, motivation, energy or everyday functioning.
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30 min consultation
You'll receive a confirmation by email.
Understanding Depressive Disorders
Depressive disorders are mental health conditions involving persistent changes in mood that extend beyond temporary sadness or typical emotional changes.
While some children may appear sad or withdrawn, others may become more irritable, lose interest in activities or experience changes in their sleep, appetite, energy or concentration.
The way depression presents can vary depending on the child's age, experiences and circumstances. Individual signs do not confirm depression, and an appropriate clinical assessment is required.
Possible Signs of Depression
The presence of one or more signs does not automatically mean that a child has a depressive disorder.
Depression Across Everyday Life
Depression can affect a child or young person's ability to get ready for school, concentrate during lessons, complete everyday tasks or participate in activities they previously enjoyed.
Changes in mood and energy may also affect relationships, communication, sleep, eating and personal care. Some children may find it difficult to recognise their strengths or believe that their situation can improve. The impact will vary according to the child's age, circumstances and individual presentation.
Our Approach
Support is shaped around how changes in mood, energy and motivation are affecting the child's everyday life.
Care may involve psychological therapy, support with emotional regulation and routines, parent guidance, school recommendations, mental health nursing or psychiatric input. Where safety concerns are identified, an appropriate safety plan and level of clinical support will be discussed with the family.
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How We Support
Following assessment, recommendations may include psychological therapy, emotional regulation and coping strategies, support with rebuilding routines, parent guidance, school recommendations or mental health nursing input.
Psychiatric review may be recommended where appropriate. Medication may be considered and monitored by a psychiatrist when clinically indicated, but it will not be required for every child.
Where safety concerns are identified, a personalised safety plan and appropriate level of clinical support may form part of the child's care.
Urgent Support
Hiba by Anthalora is an outpatient service and does not provide emergency or crisis intervention. If a child or young person is in immediate danger, at risk of harming themselves or requires urgent medical or psychiatric attention, contact the appropriate UAE emergency service or attend the nearest emergency department. Please do not wait for an outpatient appointment.
Please do not wait for an outpatient appointment in an emergency. The final emergency contact details and wording should be approved by Hiba's clinical governance team before publication.
The Clinical Pathway
Every family receives a clear and structured journey, from the first referral through to personalised intervention and ongoing progress reviews.
A family, GP or school gets in touch. We listen carefully and gently open the door to support.
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If you are concerned about persistent changes in your child's mood, behaviour or everyday functioning, our team can help you understand the available assessment and support pathways.
