AS shock figures reveal that nearly 1,000 children in Bolton are suffering from depression and a £750,000 unit has been opened to treat them, medical reporter GAYLE EVANS looks at a case study of how one young victim was cured.

UNLIKE most children, when 13-year-old Danny returns to school after the Christmas holidays he will be delighted.

It is a far cry from last December when depression took over his young life and stopped him from going to lessons.

Over the past 12 months, he has only attended his Bolton secondary school for 30 days.

But now he has undergone rigorous counselling, been put on anti-depressants and is looking forward to returning to school full time in the new year.

Danny's problems started when he was 12. He felt unwell, extremely tired and lethargic and had a general lack of interest in life.

His parents had no choice but to seek medical help.

The family GP thought he had signs of a virus and referred Danny to paediatric specialists for tests.

During their assessment of Danny's condition he was referred on to the Child Mental Health Service team, run by Community Healthcare Bolton and Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust.

Vicki Hamilton, head of child and adolescent clinical psychology, said: "It was difficult for the family to understand why Danny was being referred to us, but it was felt there were some psychological issues that needed to be addressed."

The psychologist concentrated on getting to know Danny and decided to refer him on to the day unit for assessment.

Mrs Hamilton said: "It's a vicious circle. The longer the child is away from school the more isolated he or she becomes, and the more difficult it is for them to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

"Very often during our assessments we discover issues that might affect their physical condition -- there might have been a bereavement, a change in the family circumstances or the child might be being bullied. All can lead to the child becoming depressed and feeling at a loss."

In Danny's case, the team (including psychologist, psychiatrist, nurses, specialist teacher and therapist) decided to introduce a combination of anti-depressants and a programme of behaviour therapy. This encourages children to think differently about their problems and encourages a more positive outlook.

Danny was also encouraged to keep a diary.

Mrs Hamilton added: "It's been proven that a combination of help and medication is the most effective treatment in cases where a child is feeling depressed." Mrs Hamilton said: "It's a case of building confidence, motivation and re-establishing the child's belief in themselves. By working with all those involved in the child's life, we aim to ensure the long term prospects for the child are improved."

In Danny's case the team's input is gradually being decreased, and in the New Year he is aiming to return to school full time -- a development no one would have ever hoped for 12 months ago.