Understanding Depression In Childhood
A common myth says that it is only adults who suffer from depression, while a child or a teen does not. This is absolutely a false concept. Similar to an adult, a child may also experience many forms of depression. In fact, the problem of depression in childhood can be more prevalent compared to other ages of development. Childhood depression may not be adequately met in most of the cases as the symptoms are underestimated and considered unimportant as a normal course of development. So understanding childhood depression is very important and a challenge to all researchers and health practitioners.
Common Symptoms
A depressed child may have some specific symptoms, which although they have a resemblance to normal developmental emotional changes, the symptoms are subtly different. Childhood depression may cause irritability rather than sadness. Additionally it may also result in hopelessness and boredom. Commonly it is seen that a depressed child moves slowly and sometimes zombie like. One needs a thorough understanding of depression in childhood so that the symptoms may not be confused with a normal emotional tantrum.
Associated Risks
A careful understanding of childhood depression is important because if it is left untreated for any long period of time, it may lead to suicide or suicidal attempts. Children may also experience depression for parental conflict. Understanding depression is an important part of identifying the difference between normal moodiness and symptoms of depression. For the former the child does not have any probable risks, however for the later the child is highly vulnerable to different risks such as suicide or suicidal attempts, decrease in academic performance, withdrawal from activities, irritation, social isolation and many others.
Risk Factors
There are a couple of risk factors that can actually cause depression in a child. The most important risk factor is a depressed family member. Studies confirm that children having either one or both parents diagnosed with depression are three times more likely to experience depression themselves. Children suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes are at higher risk for developing depression. Sexual abuse and alcoholism or drug addiction in the family may also pose a serious threat.
Treatments
The treatment for depressed children is similar to the treatment of depressed adults. This treatments incorporates counseling, medication and psychotherapeutic interventions. However, practitioners need a thorough understanding of depression in childhood as children are at higher risk for being affected by potential side effects caused by prescribed medications. Common psychotherapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, problem-solving therapy, family therapy and play therapy. The medications used for treating depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), atypical antidepressant medications and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
