Clinical Depression in Children
Clinical depression in children can occur as it does in adutls, but just because they are sad or blue does not always mean they are depressed.
Children have "blue" times, too and the everyday emotions could be normal.
But if these symptoms persist, disrupt, and interfer with family, social acitivities, school, and school work, it may be an indication that he/she has medical depression.
While medical depression is a serious illness know that it can be treated.
How Can I Tell?
Depression syptoms in children vary. Most times the depression goes undiagnosed and untreated, because most times it is seen as normal emotions that happen during normal growth.
Most times the child acts out or has angry behavior. While this does happen, the child often displays depression symptoms similar to adults.
The primary symptoms of depression are shown in sadness, a feeling of hopelessness, and mood changes.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Children Include:
- Irritability and anger
- Continuous feelings of sadness, hopelessness
- Social withdrawal
- Increased sensitivity to rejection
- Changes in appetite-increase/decrease
- Changes in sleep-sleeplessness or excessive sleep
- Vocal outbursts or crying
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue and low energy
- Physical complaints, such as stomach or head hurts and will not go away with treatment
- Reduced ability to funciton at home or school
- Feeling of worthlessness or guilt
- Impaired thinking or concentration
- Thoughs of death or suicide
Not all children have all these symptoms. All children are different. They will display different symptoms at different times and in different settings.
Some children may function high in structured environments, but most children will suffer in the areas as school, social activities or a change in apperarance. Some children may start to use drugs or alcohol especially if over the age of 12.
It is rare in a child under the age of 12, to attempt suicide, but it is possible. Especially if they are angry or upset. Girls are more likely to attempt suicide, but boys are more likely to succeed if they try.
Children in a family with a history of abuse, alcohol abuse are at a greater risk for suicide.
Under the age of 10, boys are more likely to suffer with depression. but, by the age of 16 gitrls are more likely to suffer with depression. It is estimated that 2.5% of children in the US suffer from depression.
Clinical depression is not a passing mood, nor something that will go away on its own. If you do not seek treatment you will have a very difficult time. Depression in chidren can be caused by health, life events, environment, famiy history, genetics, and biochemical disturbance.
Children with a family history of depression or drug and alcohol abuse are more likely to suffer with depression. If the symptoms of depression have lasted for two weeks you should seek the help of a mental health professional. If you can, find one that specializes in children.
A mental health evaluation should include interviews with you, as the parents and the child., Observations from teachers may also be helpful.
The doctor may suggest counseling at first and then see if medicine are needed.
It has been discovered that depression is happening to younger children.
Then as adults it may come back. It is important to diagnosis, receive early treatment and chose monitoring.
Don't be concerned with the social stigmas of mental illness.
Your child deserves the very best help they can get. The earlier the better.