Depression in Children: Symtoms, Causes and Treatment

Depression in Children

Depression occurs in 2-3% of children before puberty. You can even see depression in preschoolers, although it’s much less common. We take a look at what it actually means and how unity and support in the family can help fight its hold over a child.

Depression may be present when your child has:

• Not enjoying things that used to make your child happy.
• Sle?eping too little at night or too much during the day
• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide.
• No longer wanting to be with family or friends.
• Your child may say they feel sad or angry

Th They may be be unusually disruptive in class. They may break things, hit people or vandalize property. Irritability—snapping at people or blowing up over small issues is also common. Some kids may mistakenly blame their low mood on their ADHD medication. They may even secretly stop taking it, thinking they will feel better.

Researchers know a lot about the overlap between ADHD and depression. Kids diagnosed with ADHD are at a higher risk for depression. And kids diagnosed with depression are at a higher risk for ADHD.

Article published by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/depressd.htm, childhood depression is defined as "an illness when the feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child or adolescent's ability to function."

Feelings of depression are represented

• Mood
• physical
• mental and behavioural changes in a child.

childhood depression as loss of interest, loss of appetite and weight, poor sleep, lethargy, headache, loss of concentration, preoccupation with self-harm or suicide, refusal to go to school, and antisocial behaviours such as smoking, drinking and running away from home. Any combination of these changes that lasts for more than weeks could spell a child falling into depression and warrants a closer look.

Is childhood depression treatable?

If you spot these symptoms or have reason for concern, take your child to your Doctors. Since most doctors are not qualified to identify or diagnose a child with depression, ask for a referral to a child psychologist.