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Depression in children - childhood symptoms and treatment

In years gone by, depression in children was thought to be impossible because depression has long been linked to a part of the mind known as the superego. Due to the fact that this section of the mind is thought not to develop until late childhood or early adolescence, it was presumed that children could not suffer from depressive mood disorders until they were older.

Recently, psychologists arrived at the conclusion that children are actually just as likely as adolescents and adults to suffer from depression. Unlike adults however, children are usually not familiar enough with their own psychological patterns to notice when something is atypical or wrong.

Symptoms in children may also vary and not be as noticeable as those which manifest themselves in adults. Thus, depression in children is often far more difficult to diagnose and treat.

As is the case with adults, there are various different types of depression which children may suffer from. These include major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic depression and adjustment disorder. Depressive episodes in children and adolescents may last anywhere between six and nine months. In the case of major depressive episodes especially, children may also become preoccupied with punishment, death and dying. Parents should be on the look out for injuries, which may not be accidental, but rather the result of absolute carelessness and a nonchalant approach to life.

Symptoms which may be an indication of depression in children include among others, persistent irritability and anger, extreme sadness and tearfulness which is prolonged over long periods of time, loss of appetite and the inability to fall asleep, constant nightmares, lack of interest in pleasurable activities and lowered performance levels in terms of academic and extramural activities.

Depression in childhood and adolescence can be caused by various factors. A family history of mood disorders and other forms of neuropathy may increase the likelihood that a child will suffer from depression, as will an abusive childhood. A number of studies have also been conducted into the effect of traumatic events the psychological health of children.

The majority of cases have shown that occurrences such as divorce, violent crime and the death of a loved one during early childhood may all aggravate the onset of depression. In many cases however, symptoms of depression do not become apparent until weeks or even months later. In some instances, the effects of trauma during childhood may in fact only make themselves known as depression years or even decades into an individual's life.

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