When Your Child Is Depressed
Depression can be a serious problem for children as well as adults. In fact, at any given time, about one in 20 children and adolescents suffer with depression in the United States. That rate is about the same for boys and girls, but by about age 15 girls are more likely to develop the disorder.
Depression usually is apparent in adults, but it can be less obvious in children. One way of recognizing when children are depressed is through changes in their behavior. Sometimes the symptoms are not very obvious.
If you see any of the following, you should consider whether your child is suffering with depression:
isolation
clinginess
lack of enjoyment in usual interests
complaints of physical symptoms
refusing to go to school
disruptive behavior
decreased energy
poor appetite
disturbed sleep
anxiety
irritability
self-destructive behaviors
Children who are depressed also may dwell on death and other negative topics, and they may become less involved in schoolwork, sports, and other groups.
Depending on the age and the setting, similar behavior changes can result from alcohol or drug abuse — activities that some children begin at a surprisingly young age.
Some studies suggest that depression beginning in childhood is more likely to recur and become more severe in adulthood. Although depression in children and adolescents is most likely due to major depression, sometimes bipolar disorder ultimately will be diagnosed.
If you are concerned about your child's depression or behavior changes, the best place to start is with a visit to the child's pediatrician. He or she might then recommend an evaluation or counseling sessions with a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or other type of therapist.
Antidepressant medications sometimes are prescribed for children diagnosed with major depression, although few of these drugs are specifically indicated for children. In a previous entry in this blog, I've discussed the Food and Drug Administration's warnings of slightly increased suicidal thinking in children who take antidepressants.
While monitoring for suicidal thinking is a good idea, studies have shown that, unfortunately, these warnings have resulted in fewer depressed children being treated effectively. Parents and physicians should carefully weigh the risks of doing nothing against the benefits of helping the child recover with medication.
Don't hesitate to get professional help when you are concerned about depression and behavior changes in your child. But remember that there is a strong biological influence in depression and you shouldn't blame yourself — the best parenting, with extra attention and support for a depressed child, will help but won't cure the disorder.
Depression can be a serious problem for children as well as adults. In fact, at any given time, about one in 20 children and adolescents suffer with depression in the United States. That rate is about the same for boys and girls, but by about age 15 girls are more likely to develop the disorder.
Depression usually is apparent in adults, but it can be less obvious in children. One way of recognizing when children are depressed is through changes in their behavior. Sometimes the symptoms are not very obvious.
If you see any of the following, you should consider whether your child is suffering with depression:
isolation
clinginess
lack of enjoyment in usual interests
complaints of physical symptoms
refusing to go to school
disruptive behavior
decreased energy
poor appetite
disturbed sleep
anxiety
irritability
self-destructive behaviors
Children who are depressed also may dwell on death and other negative topics, and they may become less involved in schoolwork, sports, and other groups.
Depending on the age and the setting, similar behavior changes can result from alcohol or drug abuse — activities that some children begin at a surprisingly young age.
Some studies suggest that depression beginning in childhood is more likely to recur and become more severe in adulthood. Although depression in children and adolescents is most likely due to major depression, sometimes bipolar disorder ultimately will be diagnosed.
If you are concerned about your child's depression or behavior changes, the best place to start is with a visit to the child's pediatrician. He or she might then recommend an evaluation or counseling sessions with a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or other type of therapist.
Antidepressant medications sometimes are prescribed for children diagnosed with major depression, although few of these drugs are specifically indicated for children. In a previous entry in this blog, I've discussed the Food and Drug Administration's warnings of slightly increased suicidal thinking in children who take antidepressants.
While monitoring for suicidal thinking is a good idea, studies have shown that, unfortunately, these warnings have resulted in fewer depressed children being treated effectively. Parents and physicians should carefully weigh the risks of doing nothing against the benefits of helping the child recover with medication.
Don't hesitate to get professional help when you are concerned about depression and behavior changes in your child. But remember that there is a strong biological influence in depression and you shouldn't blame yourself — the best parenting, with extra attention and support for a depressed child, will help but won't cure the disorder.