Childhood depression definition

What is childhood depression? How does childhood depression manifest itself? How can parents help with childhood depression?

Childhood depression is different from the everyday blues that most kids get as they develop. The fact that a child feels sa lonely, or irritable does not mean he or she has childhood depression.

When it occurs, the child feels alone, hopeless, helpless, and worthless. Occasional sadness is a normal part of growing up. However, if children are sa irritable, or no longer enjoy things, and this occurs day after day, it may be a sign that they are suffering from major depressive disorder , commonly known as depression.

Some people think that only adults become depressed. Depression also tends to run in families. Proper diagnosis and a treatment plan is a good start, but working through depression requires time and can include relapses.

Regarding genetic aspects of childhood depression , recurrent maternal depression does not appear to interact.

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. 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. The good news is that childhood depression is treatable, especially when it is diagnosed early.

However, some children feel sad or uninterested in things that they used to enjoy, or feel helpless or hopeless in situations they are able to change. When children feel persistent sadness and hopelessness, they may be diagnosed with depression. But, irritability that lasts longer than two weeks may be a sign of depression. Some children with depression often have physical complaints.

They may report more stomachaches and headaches than their peers. Although one study has demonstrated the efficacy of fluoxetine for the treatment of school-age depression , further complicating the treatment of early childhood depression is the idea that depression in younger children is characterized by unique alterations in neurotransmitter systems. Sometimes depression is triggered by one difficult event, such as parents separating, a bereavement or problems with school or other children.

For example, your child may have inherited a tendency to depression and also have experienced some difficult life events. Those who suffer from depression experience persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. It is not uncommon for children to be diagnosed with both depression and an anxiety disorder, or depression and general anxiety.

About half of people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents.

Children who are obese are above the normal weight for their age and height. The depressive symptoms of not having fun, difficulty concentrating, guilt, problems with sleep and appetite are similar in children and in adolescents. In pre-pubertal children, depression often emerges in families with high adversity,.

Characterised by sad or irritable moo anhedonia, decreased capacity to have fun, decreased self-esteem, sleep disturbance, social withdrawal or impaired social relationships, and impaired school performance. Signs of depression in children. The basic CDI consists of items, but a 10-item short form is also available for use as a screener.

Not enjoying things that used to make your child happy. A marked change in weight or eating, either up or down. Sleeping too little at night or too much during the day. No longer wanting to be with family or friends.

It is also important to note that sometimes something as simple as sleep deprivation due to staying up too late can mimic depression. Risk factors include a family history of depression , parental conflict, poor peer relationships, deficits in coping skills, and negative thinking. The CDI is used to scale the severity of depressive symptoms in children. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression , it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Fortunately, it is also treatable.

It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.