What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Childhood Depression
• Depression in Childhood and Adolescence
• Teen Depression

What is Depression in Children and Teens? (Definition/Background Information)

• In young children no sex difference is seen but in postpubescent children women are twice as likely to develop
• There is a higher risk for developing Depression in Children and Teens if there is a family history
• Major causes of Depression in Children and Teens are brain alterations and stressful life events
• Most signs and symptoms of Depression in Children and Teens are cognitive changes, social changes, and increased negative emotions
• Depression in Children and Teens is diagnosed with cognitive and physical assessments by a healthcare profession
• Treatment for Depression in Children and Teens can be done with counseling and medications
• Depression in Children and Teens can be prevented by limiting stressful events and increasing support at all times
• Prognosis of Depression in Children and Teens can be good if treatment is done early and often, if not long-term damage or even death from suicide can result

Who gets Depression in Children and Teens? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• The condition affects children and teenagers
• Both boys and girls are affected and no difference in rates is observed among prepubescent children (typically younger than 12-15 years); although after age 15, girls are twice as likely to develop depression as boys (male-female ratio is 1:2)
• Depression in Children, Adolescents, or Teens is observed in all races and ethnicities and no predilection is noted

What are the Risk Factors for Depression in Children and Teens? (Predisposing Factors)

• A main risk factor for Depression in Children and Teens is a family history of depression
• Stressful events are risk factors; the greater the severity of the event, the higher the risk for depression
• Chronic illnesses

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Depression in Children and Teens? (Etiology)

Depression in Children and Teens usually occurs due to a combination of multiple factors. Some of the main causes of the condition include:

• Abnormal activity levels in certain parts of the brains due to imbalance of brain chemicals such as neurotransmitters
• The use of certain medicines, such as steroids or narcotics, which can alter the balance of the brain chemicals can lead to depression
• Chronic medical illnesses
• Stressful events such as divorce of parents or death of a close relative

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Children and Teens?

Certain early signs and symptoms of Depression in Children and Teens may be overlooked and missed. Also, the depression can be mild or severe and may vary from one child to another. Mild signs and symptoms, when the child feels “down” for a year of more, are termed as dysthymia (mild depressive state that is chronic).

Some of the general signs and symptoms that are observed may include:

• Irritability, sadness, withdrawal from social settings, or feeling bored most of the time
• Weight loss
• Sleeping, either too much or too little
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt
• Decreased cognitive ability that causes:
  • Lowered concentration
  • Lowered thinking
  • Lowered ability to make decisions
• Fear of rejection or failure
• Difficultly with relationships
• Thoughts of suicide or self-injury
• The signs and symptoms in young children may include:
  • Lack of energy and being withdrawn from the society
  • Showing very little emotions
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Decreased sleeping
  • Loss of interest in people and activities that they once liked
  • Increased headaches and stomach aches
  • Being constantly anxious
• The signs and symptoms in teens may include:
  • Increased sleep
  • Moving or speaking more slowly than normal
  • Hallucinations and delusions, in more severe cases

How is Depression in Children and Teens Diagnosed?

Depression in Children and Teens can be diagnosed through several methods:

• Physical exam by a healthcare professional combined with medical (family) history evaluation
• Children (with the help of a caregiver) may be asked to fill-out certain forms on the symptoms they are experiencing
• Cognitive examination to see how the child or teenager thinks, acts, and behaves
• Blood tests may be undertaken to rule out any underlying medical conditions that can lead to depression (such as low thyroid levels or anemia)

Besides the above, 5 or more of the following symptoms must be present for longer than 2 weeks, for the child/teen to be diagnosed with depression:

• Being sad for no reason
• Lack of energy
• Inability to enjoy what the child/teen previously enjoyed
• Showing a dislike in being with friends or family
• Irritability, anger, or anxiety
• Lowered concentration levels
• Weight gain or weight loss
• There is a noticeable change in the child’s sleeping habits; there is trouble falling asleep or waking up
• The child has feelings of being guilty or worthless
• Aches and pains with no identifiable cause
• The child is not concerned about the future
• Harbors thoughts of death or suicide

2 or more of these symptoms must be present almost at all times for at least a year, in order for the child/teen to be diagnosed with dysthymia:

• Thoughts of hopelessness
• Low self-esteem
• Sleeping to much or too less
• Fatigue
• Lowered concentration levels
• Under-eating or overeating

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Depression in Children and Teens?

The complications of Depression in Children and Teens may include:

• Some medications used in the treatment may increase one’s thoughts of suicide, as a side effect
• The depression can worsen, if adequate support and care of loved ones is missing
• Severe depression can lead to suicidal ideation

How is Depression in Children and Teens Treated?

Depression in Children, Adolescents, or Teens can be a long-term condition. The depression signs and symptoms can last into adulthood. Hence, several steps are needed to address the condition and provide appropriate treatments:

• The first step is to not put-off the diagnosis, because early detection is key for treatment
• The next step is to educate the family and the affected child or teenager about the condition
• Enrolling into counseling sessions can help make the child/teen feel better. The counseling depends on the age of the individual
  • Play therapy is recommended for young children
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy for older children and teens
• Antidepressant medication can be used along with counseling
• Some tips to the parents or guardian of the child/teen to aid in the treatment process:
  • Encourage the individual to exercise, see friends, be healthy, and get on a normal sleep schedule
  • Monitor medications and follow-up appointments
  • Talk and listen to the affected individual to show support
  • Constantly remind the child/teen that things will get better as time progresses

How can Depression in Children and Teens be Prevented?

The following measures may help prevent Depression in Children and Teens:

• One method of preventing depression is by understanding the family history and monitoring the child or teen accordingly
• Another step is to avoid stressful events for the child to the extent possible, or show increased support during such adverse events when they are unavoidable
• Constantly show the child or teen that he/she is very important and loved. This can help prevent emotional stresses in them that may manifest as depression

What is the Prognosis of Depression in Children and Teens? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Depression in Children and Teens if recognized early and treated promptly can result in a good prognosis. Proper counseling and medication therapy can help cure the condition in a majority of cases
• The longer the depression is left untreated, the higher is the risk of long-lasting effects on the child or teenager. Hence, early detection is key to better outcomes

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Depression in Children and Teens:

• Major depression, on the other hand, is a feeling of sadness of a long duration, which critically affects one’s daily life activities

The following article link will help you understand major depression:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/major-depression/