What is Childhood Depression?
Although most people think of depression as an adult illness, children and adolescents can develop depression as well. Unfortunately, many children with depression go untreated because adults don’t recognize they’re depressed.
It’s important for parents, teachers, and other adults to learn about childhood depression. When you understand the symptoms of depression in children and the reasons children develop it, you can intervene in a helpful manner.
Warning signs of depression are emotions or changes that parents and caregivers can see for themselves.
Children may not be sure how to express their feelings to you, or they may be unwilling to. These warning signs can occur in children with depression:
- irritability or anger
- changes in behavior and temperament
- increased or decreased appetite
- increased or decreased sleep
- emotional or vocal outbursts
- frequent expression of physical illness, such as headaches or stomachaches
- reduced concentration
- defiance
- decline in performance at school
- expressing negative thinking (self-critical comments or complaining)
- talking about death or dying
Causes of Childhood Depression
The causes of childhood depression are unknown. It could be caused by any combination of factors that relate to physical health, life events, family history, environment, genetic vulnerability, and biochemical disturbance.
Treatment of Childhood Depression
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that can treat anxiety or depression in children. CBT helps children learn to think more positively and control negative behaviors. It can also help children manage anxiety by getting to the root of their fears and worries. Therapy gives children tools to cope with anxiety and depression in healthier ways.
