What is Childhood Depression?
All children can experience sadness or moodiness from time to time, but if symptoms persist or worsen and interfere with school, family relationships, play, and daily life activities, these may be signs of childhood depression.
What are some symptoms of childhood depression?
Symptoms of childhood depression may include:
- Irritability or anger
- Fatigue or low energy level
- Problems with eating (either loss of appetite or overeating)
- Problems with sleep
- Poor self-esteem/loss of confidence
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Poor concentration/loss of focus
- Thoughts of self-harm/death
Does childhood depression represent itself in multiple ways?
There are many variations of childhood depression that include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Depressive, anxiety, and mood disorder not otherwise specified
- Adjustment disorders
- Bipolar disorder
(Untreated, chronic anxiety disorders can lead to depression, as well).
How can I treat my child’s depression?
Good treatment always starts with solid differential diagnosis. Behaviors and other conditions can sometimes mask, or exist concurrently with, depression. It is critical to pinpoint which condition(s) are observed and which is driving a child’s behavior.
According to research studies, a “best practice” treatment for childhood depression is cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches children to adjust their thinking patterns in order to improve their moods. Skills taught include: thought blocking, reducing thinking errors, positive self-talk, relaxation, and positive visualization methods. If therapy alone is insufficient in improving a child’s mood and functioning, it is important to consult with a psychiatrist for medication management.
Our approach at North Shore Pediatric Therapy
We focus on a cognitive behavior approach. We can supplement this approach, depending on the age, personality, and needs of a child, with play therapy, anger management techniques, social skills training, therapeutic games, and books. Parents are our partners, so we value and encourage communication and family involvement at every stage of the treatment process. We work closely with pediatricians and psychiatrists in order to monitor the efficacy and side effects of medication. We consult and collaborate with schools and other agencies, as appropriate, in order to enhance our clients’ functioning in all areas.
Client Reviews (3)
We have been getting services for about 6 months and seen incredible changes in our son. Each individual has different needs, and I am glad that Rebecca is able to assess and help meet some of the needs we have. She creates a comfortable environment and helps give my child tools to be more successful.
Rebecca is Izzy’s therapist and we both love her. She works well with Izzy, she’s a great fit for Izzy’s personality and her needs. I believe she’s done her best in trying to help with Izzy’s issues. Izzy has made some progress, and the areas she hasn’t, I feel have nothing to do with Rebecca. Rebecca is great!
My son has been seeing Rebecca for about four months now and we are so happy to have found her. Because of her caring and patient nature, she has made Luke feel comfortable from day one. She has wonderful insights into him and we have seen improvement in the short time we have been here. She is also such a wonderful resource for my husband and I. Luke really enjoys coming here. He will leave his Minecraft world to spend time with Rebecca and if you knew my son that means a lot!