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Although depression is uaually thought of as an
"adult" problem, children may also become depressed. Child
psychiatrists evaluate and treat children who suffer from severe
depression.
Depression Defined:
Depression is a saddened, energy less state of feeling, which is
defined as an illness if it persists over several months. Yet, depression
in children is largely unrecognized and misunderstood by parents
and professionals, even though an estimated 10 percent of all children
in this country suffer from some form of depression before age 12.
In Children:
Depression in children and teenagers may be manifested in
ways somewhat different from depression in adults. Often childhood
depression is masked by what appears to be hyperactivity, aggression,
feigned illnesses, or frequent absence from school. Although such
behavior may be a sign of other illnesses, in cases of depression
the child periodically will look sad and may even verbalize depressing
thoughts.
What to Look For:
Child Psychiatrists advise parents to look for recurrent signs of
depression in their children such as:
- a decline in the quality of schoolwork
- boredom
- a change in behavior (child quits playing with friends and stays
alone)
- the child may eat or sleep too much or too little
- the child loses interest and no longer enjoys things that were
once fun
Treatment:
Because a depressed child hurts, he or she wants
help and responds favorably to treatment. Early diagnosis and medical
treatment can manage childhood depression. For help, ask your physician
to refer you to a child psychiatrist. As a physician with advanced
training in child psychiatry, a child psychiatrist can diagnose
and then treat your child's depression.
If you or someone you know is
concerned about a child's emotional health, please call for more
information.
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