Childhood Depression

Depression

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity. It may be a normal reaction to occurring life events or circumstances, a symptom of a medical condition, a side effect of drugs or medical treatments, or a symptom of certain psychiatric syndromes. Depression in childhood and adolescence is similar to adult major depressive disorder, although young sufferers may exhibit increased irritability or aggressive, withdrawal from family and peers, poor scholastic performance and self-destructive behavior, rather than the all-encompassing sadness associated with adult forms of depression. Children who are under stress experience loss, or have attention, learning, behavioral, or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression.

Signs and symptoms:

• Irritability or anger
• Continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• Social withdrawal
• Increased sensitivity to rejection
• Changes in appetite  either increased or decreased
• Changes in sleep  sleeplessness or excessive sleep
• Outbursts or crying
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue and low energy
• Physical complaints such as stomach aches, headaches
• Poor interest to do activities at home and  school
• Poor socialization
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Impaired thinking or concentration
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Treatment

Safety is the most immediate consideration in the treatment of depression. There are multiple treatments that can be effective in treating children diagnosed with depression. Psychotherapy and medications are commonly used treatment options. In some research, adolescents showed a preference for psychotherapy rather than antidepressant medication for treatment. For adolescents, cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy have been empirically supported as effective treatment options.