Once thought to be an "adult" condition, major depressive disorder is being recognised earlier in life than in previous decades. Also called clinical depression or unipolar depression, children and adolescents are being increasingly diagnosed with this condition, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
Risk Factors
A clear link exists in families, so a family history of mental illness, including depression and suicide attempts is a factor in childhood depression. This is especially true if one or both parents experienced symptoms of depression as children or teens.
Children who have developmental, learning, or behaviour disorders are more prone to depression than their peers, as are kids who have been victims of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Traumatic experiences including the loss of a parent or other caregiver due to death, divorce, or abandonment increases the likelihood that a child or teen will become clinically depressed, and the loss of an important romantic relationship can trigger bouts of depression in adolescents.
Kids who have been diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders or chronic illnesses may be prone to depression, with the stress of illness being cited as a common trigger. Finally, kids who smoke cigarettes are considered to be at increased risk of developing a major depressive disorder.
Symptoms
While each child or teen may exhibit symptoms differently, there are a number of common signs that depression may exist. Typically, a number of symptoms must be present and must last for at least a few weeks in order for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder to be reached. Since untreated depression can have tragic results, parents are urged to pay close attention to their children's symptoms and to seek immediate help if they suspect that the child is suffering from any form of depression.
feelings of sadness or irritability
loss of interest in usual friends or activities
feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
feelings of inadequacy or guilt
low self-esteem
sleep difficulties - insomnia or sleeping excessively
changes in appetite or weight
angry or hostile tendencies
frequent complaints of physical discomfort -- headache, stomach ache, fatigue
difficulty in concentrating or making decisions
attempts at running away from home
suicidal thoughts or attempts
Diagnosis
Accurate and timely diagnosis of major depressive disorder is important so that kids and teens can receive the treatment that they need to live happy, productive lives. A child or adolescent psychiatrist is trained to recognise the symptoms of depression and is experienced at formulating treatment plans that are safe and effective, so a consultation with a mental health professional is mandatory. A comprehensive psychiatric examination will help the doctor, parents, and child decide on a course of action best suited to treat the child's individual symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment options vary based on a number of factors, including the age and overall health of the child, extent of symptoms, and the child's ability to tolerate medications or therapeutic techniques. Major depression can be successfully treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Antidepressant medications have proven to be very effective, especially when used in tandem with ongoing individual and family therapy. Psychotherapy alone can be quite helpful, helping children to change their views of themselves and their environments as well as to develop coping skills to help them to manage the stressors in their lives. Also, the participation and cooperation of parents and other family members can play a great part in helping a depressed child or adolescent to recover, so it is important to look at the condition as a family issue, rather than merely an individual's problem.
The Importance of Treatment
Depression is a highly treatable condition, with improvement often seen in as little as a few weeks. Untreated depression can persist for weeks, months, and even years. What's more, kids who have major depressive disorder are inclined to suffer bouts of depression throughout their lives without appropriate treatment. Finally, depression in adolescents is a major risk factor for suicide, making it crucial that parents do not delay in seeking care if they notice symptoms of depression in their children.
My daughter always shouting at then she go for me then smash my house she alot pain in her back and her belly bad head alot and her bed room realy dirty and she got realy bad temper
jack - 30-Jun-19 @ 4:14 AM
hi my name is lauren greggI have learning disabilities
but I think that with children with the ADHD problem they
need to understand if that was you
in there shoes and how you would cope if you
had a diffuculty trying to explain to people
what you are feeling inside of you and I have
learning disabilitiesfor my self as I get upset easy and
have visions that scare me all day and all night
please do not show this to the kids they might find it scary
I used to self harm but I got help with it and there are
loads of peoplewho want to listen
thank you for your help and support
lou lou - 29-Mar-17 @ 12:56 PM
I think my granddoughter has this disorder cause she is all ways complaning that her legs give way and she all ways say she has head achs, I know she has micrain but Me and my hushband do not know what too do with her she all has a temper she shouts when she can not get her own way throws things and banks doors. So is their any help you can give use.
tilly - 16-May-16 @ 7:28 AM
My daughter is crying all the time, varying mood swings, worries about school constantly, doesnt want to go out anywhere, complains of stomach ache and is frequently sick, is this panic disorder or something else? I am waiting for an appt at CAMs (child & adolescent mental health service). School keep sending her home because she is always crying and complaining of sickness.
Amb - 28-Dec-11 @ 2:31 PM
Laura,^your child could have a symptoms of bipolar disorder, its very common in guirls going upp to their teens, how does she harm herslef?
Proffessor Mike Eldr - 12-Nov-11 @ 9:35 PM
my child sees things and talks to herself she also harms herself and pulls her hair out, is this a sign???
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