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CHILDREN and DEPRESSION

National Mental Health Association
1021 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2971 - Phone (703) 684-7722 - Fax (703) 664-5968 - TTY
(800) 433-5959 - www.nmha.org 
GaryTauscher, Chair of the Board | Michael M. Faenza, President and CEO

Depression can occur at any age and has various symptoms and causes. Like adults, children also have temporary periods of sadness or unhappiness, from which they recover quickly. However, it is estimated that approximately 5% of children suffer from severe depression, which can affect their daily activities at school and at home.

Children, who experience a loss, high levels of stress, learning disorders, or conduct disorders are at higher risk for depression. Depression in children maybe classified as major depression and less severe forms such as dysthymia, which is characterized by a moderately depressed mood lasting for over a year; and adjustment disorder, which is caused by a stressful situation and lasts less than six months.

Symptoms

The behavior of children who are depressed is different from that of depressed adults. Often, these children may not seem sad or unhappy. They may begin to spend more time alone, rather than playing with friends, and they may talk of wanting to be dead. Other warning signs of depression in children include:

  • Persistent feeling of sadness.
  • Inability to enjoy previously favorite activities.
  • Increased activity or irritability.
  • Frequent complaints of headaches and/or stomach pains that do not improve with treatment
  • Suicidal thoughts and actions.
  • Alcohol and/or drug abuse.
  • Attendance problems or decreased performance in school.
  • Difficulty dealing with everyday activities and responsibilities.
  • Persistent boredom, low energy, and/or poor concentration.
  • Changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns.
  • Exhibiting troublesome behavior at school or home.

Causes

There does not appear to be any single cause for depression in children.. Rather there are biological, psychological, and environmental causes, which may occur individually or in combination to cause childhood depression. The biological causes relate to hereditary, biochemical hormonal, neurological factors, and more recently, seasonal changes associated with decreased amounts of light.

Psychological and environmental factors include the loss of loved ones, conflicts in child-parent relationships, and low self-esteem. Also important are the ways children regard and manage everyday activities and their ability to structure their world.

Treatment

Because of the variations in types and causes of childhood depression, treatment must logically vary to suit the individual child. Some symptoms may simply suggest a change in habits or behavior, while more severe signs of depression require the assistance of a professional.

Treatment for severe depression in children may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, antidepressant and anti anxiety medications, or a combination of these.

Know the Facts

  • Recent studies show that at any given time, as many as one in every thirty-three children may have clinical depression. The rate of depression among adolescents may be as high as one in eight (Center for Mental Health Services).
  • Children under stress, who experience loss, or who have attention learning, or conduct disorders are at higher risk for depression. Early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential for depressed children (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry).
  • Incidence of depression and the associated risk of suicide increase significantly during adolescence (National Association of School Psychologists).
  • Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds and the sixth leading cause of death for 5-14 year olds (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry).
  • Less than one-third of the children under age 18 with a serious emotional disturbance receive any mental health services. Often the services received are inappropriate (Children's Defense Fund).
  • Because depression may coexist with other disorders such as Anxiety Disorder(s) and Attention Deficit Disorder, recognizing and diagnosing childhood depression can be difficult (National association of School Psychologists).
  • Depression is one of the most treatable mental illnesses. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for depressed children and can lead to better long-term health (National Mental Health Association).

Parents should note the behaviors that concerns them, how long they have been going on, how often they occur, and how severe they seem. Then, seek the advice of the child's pediatrician or family physician. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for depressed children and can lead to better long-term health.

For more information, contact your local Mental Health Association, pediatrician, school counselor, community mental health center or:

National Mental Health Association
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria VA 22314
Phone 800-969-NMHA

American Psychiatric Association
Director of Public Affairs
Department Code NCDA-97
1400K Street NW
Washington, DC 20005

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
3615 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Phone 800-333-7636

Depression and Related Affective Disorders Association
Meyer 3-181, 600 North Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21287-7381
Phone 410-9554647

National Association of School Psychologists
4340 East West Highway, Suite 402
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone 301-657-0270

 

This site is a supplement, not a substitute, for professional help.

T. J. Glenn, M.D., F.A.P.A., F.A.A.C.A.P.
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San Antonio TX 78258
Fax - 210-495-5436