Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Children Experience DepressionCauses of Childhood DepressionDiagnosing Childhood DepressionTreatmentCopingNext in Depression GuideWhat Are Your Rights at Work When You’re Depressed?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Children Experience Depression
Causes of Childhood Depression
Diagnosing Childhood Depression
Treatment
Coping
Next in Depression Guide
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Although most people think of depression as an adult illness, children and adolescents can develop depression as well. Unfortunately, manychildren with depression go untreatedbecause adults don’t recognize they’re depressed.
It’s important for parents, teachers, and other adults to learn about childhood depression. When you understand the symptoms of depression in children and the reasons children develop it, you can intervene in a helpful manner.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, common signs of depression in children and teens last longer than two weeks and may manifest similar symptoms to adults, such as:
TheDiagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders(DSM-5-TR) criteria for clinical depression are the same for children, teens, and adults; however, children are less likely to meet the criteria due to variations in the way they present their symptoms. As they mature, symptom presentation becomes more consistent with the DSM-5-TR criteria.
Depression in children and teens usually presents differently than it does in adults. Young children often find it difficult to explain their feelings and may regress to earlier behaviors such as thumb-sucking or bed-wetting. They may have more nightmares and difficulty sleeping.
Irritability and/or anger are more common signs of depression in older children and teens. They may not want to spend time with their friends or participate in their usual activities. They may complain of stomach aches, headaches, and not feeling well to avoid going to school. Teens may attempt to hide their emotional pain, fearing judgment from others.
In addition to the above symptoms, some children will begin to have poor school performance, troubled peer relationships, and possibly substance abuse.
Because normal behaviors vary as children develop, it can be challenging to know if your child is going through a phase or if it’s something more serious. The first step towards helping your child battle depression is learning how to spot it.
Smiling Depression: When Things Aren’t Quite What They Seem
While stressful life events, like divorce, may contribute to depression, it’s only a small piece of the puzzle. Many other factors, including genetics, differences in neurological or physical development, major illness, and other psychosocial factors, also play a role in its onset.
There are a number of different factors that can contribute to childhood depression, including:
Anyone can develop depression, and it isn’t a sign of weakness. It also isn’t your fault if your child is depressed. However, there may be some things you can do to help.
How Does Your Environment Affect Your Mental Health?
If you think your child is showing signs of depression, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to discuss your concerns.
Before arriving at a diagnosis, your child should undergo a comprehensive physical evaluation. This will rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you are seeing. For example, thyroid problems, anemia, and vitamin deficiency can all mimic symptoms of depression.
While there is no specific test for depression, a doctor may use one or multiplepsychological assessmentsto further evaluate the type and severity of depression your child is experiencing.
Classification of Depression
According to the DSM-5-TR, this classification is based on the number, type, and severity of symptoms and the degree to which they interfere with your day-to-day life.
Depression Treatment
If your child is diagnosed with mild depression, their doctor will actively monitor their symptoms before recommending any form of treatment. If their symptoms persist after 6 to 8 weeks of support, they will be referred for psychotherapy. If your child is initially diagnosed with moderate to severe depression, their doctor will likely skip this step and start treatment immediately.
Psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of the two have been shown to help young people with depression. The kind of treatment recommended for your child will depend on the nature and severity of their depression.
Psychotherapy
If your child is diagnosed with mild depression, the APA recommendspsychotherapyas a first-line treatment. For adolescents with moderate to severe depression, research has shown that a combination of psychotherapy and medication works best.
In psychotherapy, a mental health professional will help your child develop the skills needed to manage their depressive symptoms so they can function well both at home and in school. Two kinds of psychotherapy are recognized as the treatment of choice for children with depression:
Depending on the situation, other forms of therapy may be needed, such as play therapy, family therapy, or trauma-focused therapy.
The APA recommends that psychotherapy always be a component of treatment for childhood and adolescent depression.
Online Therapy Services for Kids and Families, Tried and Tested
Medications
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) are considered the first-lineantidepressant optionfor young people with depression. Only two SSRIs—Prozac(fluoxetine) andLexapro(escitalopram)—are FDA-approved for use in young people with depression.
Their doctor may also prescribe a different SSRI or aserotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor(SNRI) if they think it is in your child’s best interest. This is referred to as off-label use, and it is a fairly common practice.
Antidepressants and Suicidal Thinking
While antidepressants can be an effective way to treat childhood depression, their use has been linked toserious side effects, such as suicidal thinking in people under age 25. Though this side effect is rare, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires that all antidepressants carry a black box warning about this increased risk of suicide.
If your child is having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If your child is having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Suicidal Thoughts and Depression in Children
For mild cases of depression, lifestyle changes can often be an effective way to address feelings of depression. Things like finding ways to manage stress, getting regular physical exercise, using relaxation techniques, developing new hobbies and interests, and building a strongersocial support systemcan help improve how a child feels.
The following are some proactive steps you can take to encouragehealthy coping skillsand support mental health:
Ultimately, it’s up to the guardians to decide what treatment options to employ. It’s important for parents and children to educate themselves about treatment and the potential risks and benefits of each option.
Teenage Depression: Signs, Causes, and How to Help
Final Thoughts
Childhood depression can have a serious impact on a child’s life, so it is always important to be on the lookout for warning signs that your child may be depressed. Talk to your child about their feelings, and be careful to remain supportive and non-judgmental.
Thankfully, early interventions can help kids get back on track before symptoms of depression take a serious toll on their lives and ability to function.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling With Mental Health Issues
6 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.Depression in children and teens.Bernaras E, Jaureguizar J, Garaigordobil M.Child and adolescent depression: A review of theories, evaluation instruments, prevention programs, and treatments.Front Psychol. 2019;10:543. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00543American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787Cheung AH, Zuckerbrot RA, Jensen PS, et al.Guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care (GLAD-PC): Part II. Treatment and ongoing management.Pediatrics. 2018;141(3). doi:10.1542/peds.2017-4082American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,Depression: Parents’ Medication Guide. American Psychiatric Association; 2018.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.Depression in children and teens.
Bernaras E, Jaureguizar J, Garaigordobil M.Child and adolescent depression: A review of theories, evaluation instruments, prevention programs, and treatments.Front Psychol. 2019;10:543. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00543
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Cheung AH, Zuckerbrot RA, Jensen PS, et al.Guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care (GLAD-PC): Part II. Treatment and ongoing management.Pediatrics. 2018;141(3). doi:10.1542/peds.2017-4082
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,Depression: Parents’ Medication Guide. American Psychiatric Association; 2018.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications.
Martinsen KD, Kendall PC, Stark K, Neumer S-P.Prevention of anxiety and depression in children: Acceptability and feasibility of the transdiagnostic EMOTION program.Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. 2016;23(1):1-13. doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2014.06.005
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