How to detect and treat depression in a child

Many people do not realize that children and teenagers can also have problems with depression. Of course, everyone can be depressed from time to time, but then there are others that have major problems with depression. Childhood depression is a serious illness whereas a child will have feelings of depression that begin to interfere with their ability to function normally.

In the US alone, around 5 percent of teenagers and children suffer from depression. Depression may be inherited from parents or from being under stress, experience loss of a pet, family member, or friend. Children with learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, or behavior problems can also have depression.

Signs of depression in children or teenagers include:

•  hopelessness

•  recurring sadness or crying

•  low energy

•  constant boredom

•  decreased interest in activities

•  low self esteem

•  guilt

•  poor communication

•  very sensitive to rejection

•  irritability

•  complains of frequent headaches or stomachaches

•  poor concentration

•  noticeable change in sleeping patterns

•  noticeable change in eating habits

•  talks more about running away or does run away

•  self destructive behavior

•  expresses thoughts of suicide

•  becomes more of a loner away from his friends

If your child or teenager shows signs of one or more of the above symptoms, you should contact their physician as early detection and treatment is essential. In addition, symptoms vary from child to child and even by age of the child. You may not even notice the symptoms above according to your own child.

However, you will notice such things as poor performance in school, learning difficulties and changes in behavior or eating. With young children, this can be very hard to notice, as they cannot express themselves as older children.

Symptoms with young children can include sadness, exhibits anger or aggression, timidiness or fearful, a spacey or far away look, moodiness, and irritability. In many cases, younger children will have physical symptoms, but you will not be able to find the root to the problem such as headaches, cramps, stomachaches, wetting the bed, problems going to sleep, and nightmares are just a few examples. Some young children may begin to steal, lie, or begin fights at school or at home.

The most important thing to remember is depression is treatable. The majority of the time treatment includes individual and family therapy and in some cases antidepressant medication. Talk with your physician immediately if you believe your child or teenager is having problems with depression. He or she may be able to steer you in the right direction for a qualified mental health professional that works with children and teenagers with depression.