Childhood Depression

Depression has been found in children as young as three months. The symptoms of depression in children appear differently than they do in adults. For very young children (up to age 5) you may notice trouble sleeping and feeding, lethargy, and tantrums. For children of school age, you may notice poor school performance, irritability, and decreased socialization. Guilt shows up in children 9-18 years of age as a characteristic of depression.

There is not a separate diagnosis of "Childhood" Depression - a psychologist would simply diagnose Major Depressive Disorder, or other mood disorder. Symptoms typically become more severe as the child becomes older. Female adolescents are more prone to Depression than males. Boys become more aggressive and destructive when depressed.

Children who live with depressed parents have been successfully treated preventatively for Depression. Teaching problem-solving skills, cognitive, and social skills all are helpful in preventing a child from becoming depressed.