The main objective of this guide is to improve clinical care for people affected by depression who are attended by the Murcia Health Service. In order to do so, specific guides on primary care have been reviewed to generate evidence-based recommendations.

Depressive disorders are increasingly important and rank as the fifth most common disease. This guide defines the concept of depression, its epidemiology, classification, action plan and treatment.

This guide contains different aspects that affect the management of psychological care compared to paediatric disease processes accompanied by pain. It offers a series of psychological strategies (guided imagination, distraction and hypnosis) to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety and contribute to better preparation for the invasive care interventions performed at these ages.

It also highlights the need to use information provided by the child him or herself as a reference record.