What is Depression?

    Depression can be defined as a disease that is persistent and interferes with someone's ability to function.  It is a major mental health problem that affects one in every thirty-three children and one in eight adolescents according to the Center for Mental Health Services. 

    Sadness, or normal depression, is a normal human emotion and is causd by traumatic events such as loss of a loved one, grief, or disappointment.  These depressive episodes should be short-lived.  It usually does not last any longer than from a few days to a week or two.  Clinical depression, however, has a mixture of symptoms that includes intense sadness that is continued over a long period of time and disrupts the child's normal functioning from day to day.   

The Warning Signs or Symptoms

    Clinical depression in children has a mixture of symptoms.  Some of the symptoms may or may not be apparent in your child. 

• Difficulties sleeping
• Inability to enjoy once-pleasurable activities
• Intense sadness that is not short-lived
• Grouchiness
• Feelings of distress for long periods of time 
• Mood swings at home, school, or with friends
• Feelings of being misunderstood
• Development of suicidal thoughts or tendencies
  

    If these symptoms appear in your child, you should take your child to a professional to have their symptoms evaluated.  

How Do I Find Out if My Child Has Depression? 

    If you think your child is showing depressive symptoms, you should seek the help of your local health care provider and have your child examined.  Also, under Helpful Links, click on the Self Assessment Test link to obtain a basic understanding of your child's symptoms. 

How is Depression in Children Treated?

    Some of the treatments listed below may not be appropriate for your child, so it is necessary for a psychologist to evaluate and diagnose your child before taking any further actions. 

The following treatment options are meant to be long-term:

• Medication:  Some to be considered are lithium and Selective Serotonin Reputake Inhibitors, or SSRIs.  Lithium helps to stabilize one's mood.  SSRIs help to reduce the symptoms of depression.   Medications are typically prescribed to go along with cognitive-behavioral therapy.  Medications can be a first choice when psychotherapy wouldn't be effective, due to the severity of their depression.
  

     Interpersonal therapy focuses on personal relationships with the patients that are disturbed.  

     Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps to change a patient's negative way of thinking or acting. 

•   Interventions: Interventions are planned interactions with the individual, aimed to make an assessment, overcome denial, and help convince the individual to begin treatment.

     Remember: Finding and treating depression in children and adolescents early can help prevent your child from becoming a threat to themselves or people around them.  Early treatment can save lives.