Depression-Help-Center.com

Who

Women | Men | Teens | Children | Elderly

Childhood Depression.

Childhood depression is real and it is common. The fastest rate of increase in depression is in young people. Three percent of all children, boys and girls under the age of 12, suffer from depression. Adolescents (ages 12 to 20) are currently experiencing depression rates as high as twelve percent. This page will discuss the specific issues of childhood depression. You many click the following link for information regarding adolescent or teenage depression.

Many of the experts feel that the warning signs of depression in children are often overlooked and untreated. That has lead to an effort to create greater awareness with May 4 being declared "Childhood Depression Awareness Day."

What are the warning Signs of Depression in Children ?

      • excessive sadness / boredom.
      • excessive irritability.
      • feeling of hopelessness.
      • hurting animals or people.
      • destruction of property.
      • changes in eating habits.
      • changes in sleeping habits.
      • lower performance in school work.
      • loss of interest in friends or previous activities.
      • desire to be alone much of the time.
      • talking about suicide or death.

Recognizing a warning sign of depression and getting treatment for a child is critical. A child that has an episode of depression is a risk of having another episode within five years.

Children often feel powerless to deal with depression because they have underdeveloped emotional and coping systems. The effects of childhood depression can remain with them for many years into adulthood. The consequences of untreated depression are severe and can include social isolation by peers and family, increasing problems at home and school, and an increased risk of suicide.

What Causes Depression in Children ?

Children can face many situations and problems that even adults can find almost insurmountable. Adding to the difficulty is that children are often unable to verbalize their feelings or view of the situation / problem. The most common causes or triggers for depression in children include:

      • physical and/or sexual abuse.
      • early loss of a parent.
      • frequent turmoil in the home.
      • learning disabilities.
      • poverty.
      • peer acceptance.
      • emotionally distant parent(s), lack of support, warmth, comfort, and love.
      • parents that also suffer from depression.
      • obesity.

One dramatic statistic is that children who are raised by distant parent(s) - emotionally cold - with little or no support, warmth, comfort or love - become adults with a risk factor ten times greater than the general population of developing depression. Most experts agree that these adults are more vulnerable to develop depression, particularity when other depression risk factors are present.

Obesity also merits some discussion because it has a profound effect on a child's physical and mental health. Obesity is now one of the most widespread childhood medical problems in the United States. More than 20% of children are overweight and the rate is increasing. Obese children will have more health problems, including the alarming increase in diabetes II. Obese children are more likely to become obese adults with corresponding problems with their heart and strokes. In addition, obese children experience numerous emotional and social problems during childhood and adolescence.

Treatment.   Antidepressants for Children ?

If you or a teacher has become worried about how your child's behavior has changed, then a visit to qualified health care professionals is warranted. Usually if a child's pediatrician rules out physical symptoms, then the doctor may suggest a visit with a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker.

Sometimes treatment includes psychological counseling and the use of antidepressant drugs. Although many doctors support the use of these drugs and claim effectiveness, there is considerable debate among the experts about their use and long-term effects. Those doctors that argue against the use of antidepressants in children claim that effectiveness is not proven. In addition, they stress that antidepressant drugs should not be given to children because the brain's frontal lobes continue to develop until the age of 20.

Disclaimer: This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. The statements in this web site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided in this web site has been compiled from various magazines and journals, research papers and clinical studies for the sole purpose of offering consumers information about depression and its treatments. © 2002-2004 All rights reserved. No part of this web site may be produced, reproduced or copied in any manner for public or private use without written consent from Depression-Help-Center.com. Please read our user agreement.