Depression in Children

Children absolutely can suffer from depression! 

Depression in children is more than a fleeting sadness or occasional grumpy mood.  Generally, if the child has cause to be sad and gets over his/her sadness within a reasonable time, 2 weeks according to MedicineNet and ADAA (see sources below), then it is not clinical depression.  However, there are many symptoms that point to a child suffering from depression.  Signs of depression in children are often different from signs of depression in adults. Some of the symptoms of depression in children include:

• Loss of interest in activities that the child used to enjoy
• Irritability or other disruptive behaviors that interfere with normal social interactions
• Significant drop in performance at school or in other extra-curricular activities
• Unwarranted angry outbursts or abnormal acting out
• Sadness or hopelessness that doesn't go away
• Tiredness or other physical complaints that don't respond to treatment
• Difficulty sleeping, change in appetite and/or trouble concentrating
• Critical attitude, constant complaining, focusing on problems, fault-finding
• Low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, calling themselves stupid

Children may exhibit some or all of these symptoms. Drug use may also be involved as the cause of the depression or a symptom of the depression.  The ultimate result of untreated depression can be suicide so it is important to recognize the symptoms early and get the child help.

Depression is a treatable illness! 

If you suspect that your child is suffering from depression, the first step is to go to the child's regular physician.  Discuss the child's symptoms with the physician and see what the doctor suggests for a next step.  If your child gets regular check-ups their doctor will have a medical record and should know best how to help the child.  The doctor may also be able to refer you to a good child psychologist.  Depression is most often effectively treated through a combination of therapy and medication.  Therapy may work without medication but medication is only a short-term fix if not joined with counseling.

Depression is often coupled with an anxiety disorder.  For information about anxiety in children, including a symptom list, please click here.

Sources: WebMD, MedicineNet, ADAA, KidsHealth