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Children and Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

10th August, 2013 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Children can suffer from depression at any stage in life. It has various causes and symptoms. Just like adults, children also experience temporary periods of unhappiness, from which they can recover fast. But there is an estimated 5% of children experiencing high stage of depression, affecting their daily activities at school and home. Children who experience behavioural or learning disorders, loss, or high levels of stress are more at risk of suffering from depression.

Misconceptions About Depression in Children

“What does he/she have to be depressed about?” This is the common statement of other people when they learn that a child is experiencing depression. A statement like this displays two main misconceptions: (1) lack of understanding regarding clinical depression; and (2) childhood is a stress-free, carefree, and trouble-free period in our lives.

Clinical depression is different from the occasional down moods that everyone feels. It can seem like these blues, however, it’s much more long-lasting, pervasive, and life-threatening. Unlike the normal down moods, it’s not necessarily due to a certain state or situations in the life of a child.

On the second misconception, children also feel stress and pressure, considering the many expectations by parents and teachers at school, and the pressure from and acceptance of peers. Often, adults forget that children aren’t yet able to take control of their own lives. Such situation can be truly scary and frustrating to live through each and every day.

Symptoms of Depression in Children

The behavioural symptoms of children suffering from depression are not the same as that of depressed adults. Below are the signs of a child experiencing depression:

o Almost-permanent feeling of sadness.
o Difficulty to have fun in previously favourite things or activities.
o Significant increase in activity or irritability.
o Usual complaints of stomach pains and/or headaches or migraines which does not change with treatment.
o Suicidal actions and thoughts.
o Alcohol and/or drug abuse.
o Poor or decreased performance in school.
o Inability to deal with daily duties and activities.
o Continous poor focus, boredom andor low energy.
o Changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns.
o Exhibiting poor or troublesome behaviour at at school or at home.

Causes of Depression in Children

There is no single and specific reason why children suffer from depression. Its cause is actually not known. It can be because of any combination of factors associated with psychological, emotional, or physical conditions; family history or life events; genetic vulnerability; environment; and hormonal disturbance. Environmental and psychological aspects include: death or loss of loved ones, low self-esteem, deterioration of parent-child relationship.

Treatment for Depression in Children

Treatment need to vary rationally to suit the certain needs and situation of a depressed child. This is basically due to the several variations in causes and types of childhood depression. Some symptoms may merely suggest a change in behaviour or habits, while more intense warning signs require the expertise of a child psychologist. Treatment for this level of depression may include anti-anxiety medications, cognitive-behavioural therapy, or a combination of these.

If you are seeking for the help of a good psychiatrist in Melbourne, check out the website of VCPS: VCPS.com.au.