Major depression in children

What are the signs of depression in a child? Can parents help children to avoid depression? Can children really suffer from depression? Loss of interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities once.

It has become a serious medical condition and important health concern in this country. Signs and symptoms of depression in children include: Irritability or anger.

Continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Increased sensitivity to rejection. Vocal outbursts or crying.

Symptom presentation varies from more somatic symptoms and less verbalization of feelings in preschoolers to more verbalization of feelings and symptoms similar to adults in older adolescents. The most common form of depression, major depressive disorder ( MDD ), is characterized by chronic feelings of sadness or worthlessness , irritability , physical lethargy , insomnia and sometimes thoughts of suicide. This guide outlines how major depressive disorder is identifie diagnosed and treated in children. Major depressive disorder is a discrete depressive episode lasting ≥ weeks.

It occurs in as many as of children and of adolescents.

The school can also be included in the treatment plan. For very young children , involving parents in treatment is key. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one form of therapy that is used to treat anxiety or depression , particularly in older children. It helps the child change negative thoughts into more positive, effective ways of thinking, leading to more effective behavior. According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-5), symptoms of childhood depression can include: Academic decline.

Withdrawal from friends and family. Thoughts or actions of self-harm. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression , the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.

These feelings do not go away. He or she may also be angry, do poorly in school, become isolate or have pain. Children with depression may display these symptoms: Depressed or irritable mood. Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

Change in eating habits. Feeling angry or irritable. Physical complaints (stomach ache, headache).

Children may suffer from the episodes of moderate to severe depression associated with major depressive disorder, or more chronic, mild to moderate low mood of dysthymia. Fatigue and low energy.

It may be a normal reaction to occurring life events or circumstances, a symptom of a medical condition, a side effect of drugs or medical treatments, or a symptom of certain psychiatric syndromes, such as the mood disorders major depressive disorder and dysthymia. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, it is considered the first line treatment for mild depression and an adjunct for moderate to severe depression. Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity.