What is Pediatric Depression?
Childhood and adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD) is a relatively common mental illness that often persists into adulthood. Pediatric depression affects up to two percent of children and five to eight percent of teens. The spectrum of depression in teens and children may range from simple sadness to a major depressive disorder.
The choice of treatment is variable upon factors such as age, symptoms, contextual issues, previous responses to treatment and the motivation of the family and child. Childhood depression is evident in earlier and earlier ages and often presents with comorbid (co-occurring) mental illnesses, increased risk of suicide, behavioral problems and substance abuse. Children and teens with depression often have poor scholastic performance, poor interaction with peers and a turbulent family life.
People can develop depression as the result of life-changing events like the divorce of parents, death of a friend or family member, severe illness, remarriage, and other traumas or abuses.
Depression is a common ailment, but is more common in girls than boys. Depression has many signs and symptoms, some of which are so subtle they may not be noticed until more severe symptoms appear.
Symptoms of Pediatric Depression:
While the symptoms of pediatric depression are similar in children to those in adults, they will manifest differently as children express their feelings in other ways. Children do not always have the language or cognitive development to express their feelings, fears, and concerns as an adult would. Thus, the symptoms may differ in appearance from adults who suffer depression.
For example, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offers the following to recognize depression in children:
- Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
- Decreased interest in activities
- Boredom or low energy
- Social isolation
- Sensitivity to rejection or failure
- Irritability, anger, or hostility
- Complaints of physical ailments, such as headaches
- Frequent absences in school
- Poor school performance
- Running away from home
It is extremely important to identify and treat a child struggling with depression. Children and adolescents are at an increased risk of suicide and substance abuse. Younger children may act out, pretend to be sick or not go to school, worry about death, and have separation anxiety. Older children may get into trouble, feel misunderstood, have low affect and mood, or abuse drugs.
Causes of Pediatric Depression:
Depression may be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic factors such as family history and personality traits or environmental factors such as abuse, stress, conflict, lack of problem-solving skills, or learning disabilities. Depression may also be caused by separation, divorce, death in the family, moving, failure in school, or illness.
Treatment for Pediatric Depression:
Depression in children is treated similarly to depression in adolescents and adults. However, a large percentage of parents do not report the symptoms of pediatric depression to the child's doctor. This means that a large percentage of depressed children do not receive adequate diagnosis or treatment for their depression.
After taking the first step and visiting a health care professional, therapy and medication can be employed to assist in the treatment of depression. The following are methods of therapy:
Psychotherapy (“talk therapy”) may help with mild to moderate depression and may be used alone or in conjunction with medication.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that teaches people how to change their thinking and behavior to help relieve their depression.
Interpersonal therapy helps people work through their troubled personal relationships.
Electroconvulsive therapy, also known as “shock therapy,” is occasionally used to treat major depression when medication and therapy alone cannot treat it. ECT has improved in method and is considered to be safe enough for people who cannot find relief from other depression treatments.
Other forms of therapy that are successful with children include play therapy, art therapy, music therapy and other alternative unstructured and creative methods of treatment.
My Child Is Depressed. How Can I Help?
- Listen, really LISTEN to what they are saying.
- Never disparage their feelings, but try to offer some optimism.
- Offer whatever support you can.
- Never ignore threats or mentions of suicide. Report those immediately to a doctor.
- Spend time with your child, play, and keep them engaged in activities.
- Seek treatment – talk to a teacher, guidance counselor, or doctor
Where Can I Find Help for Depression?
If your child is in crisis, thinking of harming someone or themselves, don’t hesitate to call 911.
- Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor.
- Mental Health Specialists (therapists, psychologists, social workers, mental health clinics)
- Community Mental Health Centers
- The Emergency Room
- Your family doctor
- Hospitals often have psychiatric departments
- Mental health programs at colleges or medical schools
- Family services and social service agencies
- Clergy members
- Private clinics
- Peer support groups
- The phone book under “mental health,” “health,” “social services,” “hotlines.”
Additional Pediatric Depression Resources:
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance has great information for those newly diagnosed with a mood disorder.
The Cleveland Clinic provides information about Pediatric Depression in children and teens. The clinic also help direct parents to places for help.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has resources for parents whose children and teens are dealing with depression and has a child and adolescent psychiatrist finder to help locate a medical professional in your area.
Oregon Counseling has information about understanding and dealing with depression in children ages 6 to 12. The site also has information on how to find medical professionals.
The Balanced Mind Foundation - The most complete authority on Pediatric Bipolar Disorder around. This site offers libraries of knowledge, areas for specific groups of teens (called Flipswitch), chats and a comprehensive list of resources.
National Alliance on Mental Illness has resources and support groups for anyone dealing with major depression or caretakers of people with any sort of mental illness.
TeensHealth has information about depression, self-injury, addictions and other topics. A wonderful site for teens and their parents.