Signs Of Depression In Children

Thirty or forty years ago, depression in children was considered almost nonexistent. The prevailing thought then was that children were too young to be stressed out. What could a child be depressed about?

Things have changed. Nowadays, depression is not only considered a clinical issue, more children are being diagnosed with the problem than previously. According to the Harvard Mental Health Newsletter, depression in children has increased by 23% per year in the United States. What is even more frightening is that a study published in the April 2004 issue of Psychiatric Services claims that more preschoolers are being prescribed antidepressants than ever before.

What are the signs of depression in children?

Young children (2-5) usually manifest depression through physical symptoms. They may complain of headaches, stomach aches or nightmares. Often, they wet their beds. They may become unusually aggressive, hitting and biting others or throwing temper tantrums. Some may be quiet or unusually withdrawn. Depression is anger turned inward and this "inwardness" can take the form of passivity.

The most important advice for parents is to be alert to their child's behavior so that they can recognize unusual symptoms, especially if these go beyond 10 days. Parents should book an appointment with the doctor if symptoms persist.

Older children may display changes in eating and sleeping patterns. Insomnia, restless sleep can be signs of emotional issues and need to be addressed. Sometimes older children have such difficulty falling asleep they are virtually "un-wakeable" the next morning. Because sleep disorders often aggravate mood disorders, a check up with the physician would be advisable.

Changes in routines are also signs of emotional issues. A child who is usually happy about school might balk at school routines once in a while. But when a child who does well in school suddenly refuses to attend classes, parents should be alert for deeper problems and be ready to make an appointment with the teacher to ask about changes in the child's behavior at school. Trouble at school either in academic work or behavior is often a sign of depression.

Preoccupation with death or suicide in the older child can be a passing phase, but if it becomes almost obsessive or if parents sense that something is not quite right about the child's morbid interests, action should be taken to determine whether or not there are deeper problems behind the behavior.

Children are not immune to stress and depression. Signs of depression in children are not easily identifiable; however, being alert to changes in routines can help a great deal in this regard.