Childhood Depression Symptoms and Signs
Childhood Anxiety, Suicidal Behavior and Depressive Episodes
Sep 24, 2009
Childhood depression symptoms are more common than most people think. According to the U.S. Center for Mental Health Services 1 out of every 33 children exhibits symptoms of depression. Many cases of early-onset depression are never diagnosed: two thirds of all children with mental disorders never receive help.
Depression, Children and Symptoms
Symptoms of depression in children are often dismissed as age-appropriate moodiness or sullenness. This is partially because people assume particular age groups are just naturally cranky, irritable or withdrawn, and partially because people rarely consider depression as a possible childhood affliction.
Symptoms of depression in kids differ somewhat from adult symptoms, and include:
- appetite changes
- avoiding activities once enjoyed
- changes to sleeping patterns
- constantly bored
- drug or alcohol abuse
- feelings of guilt or self-blame
- feelings of hopelessness
- forgetfulness
- frequent headaches and stomachaches
- irritability
- loss of concentration
- loss of motivation and enthusiasm
- low energy
- low self-esteem
- persistent sadness
- poor school grades
- restlessness and agitation
- skipping school
- social withdrawal
- thinking about death or suicide.
Severe childhood depression symptoms can also include delusions and hallucinations.
Co-morbid Conditions and Childhood Depression
Childhood depression is often seen in combination with other conditions. Children with learning disorders, eating disorders, and conduct disorders may develop depression. Children with untreated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or Asperger’s syndrome have high rates of depression.
The risk of other mental disorders also rises in children with depression. Kids diagnosed with depression at early ages are more likely to have depressive disorders in later life. Children diagnosed with depression are at risk for a second depressive episode within five years. Up to a third of children aged six to twelve who are diagnosed with depression develop bipolar disorder later in life.
Traumatic life events, such as divorce, a family member’s death or physical/sexual abuse can also trigger childhood depression.
Children, Suicide and Depression
Children as young as five commit suicide, although it’s something of a taboo subject for many people. The idea that a child would willingly end his or her life is horrifying.
The statistics concerning children and suicide are even more frightening. The sixth leading cause of death amongst children aged five to fifteen is suicide. The risk increases in adolescence; one in eight teens suffers from teenage depression, and suicide is the third leading cause of death in teens. Depression plays a large role in suicides, with up to two thirds of suicides in the U.S. linked to depression.
Childhood Depression Treatment
Depression treatment works as well for children as it does for adults. Like adult depression, childhood depression may be treated with antidepressants and psychotherapy. The sooner a depressed child receives help the better.
Children, Suicide and Antidepressants
Suicidal behavior is a possible side effect when a depressed person starts taking antidepressants, and this risk is higher in children than in adults. While benefits of depression medication usually outweighs the risks, children should be monitored closely for signs of suicidal behavior when prescribed antidepressants.
The risk of antidepressant-related suicide is greatest at the beginning of treatment. Depression medications often results in some improvement in the first three weeks, then little improvement is seen until six to eight weeks pass. Any signs of suicidal behavior should be taken seriously, and help sought immediately.
Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (Retrieved 19 September, 2009). Early-Onset Depression
WebMD. (Retrieved 19 September, 2009). Depression in Children and Teens: Topic Overview
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
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