The Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for Depression in Children

Child Psychiatrist In Melbourne

A child could suffer from depression at any stage in life. It has different warning symptoms and causes. Just like grown ups, children also experience temporary times of sadness, from which they can recover fast. But there is an estimated 5% of children experiencing high level of depression, affecting their day-to-day activities at home and school. Children who are experiencing loss, high levels of stress, conduct or learning disorders are more vulnerable to depression.

Misconceptions About Depression in Children

"What does he/she have to be depressed about?" This is the common response of other people when they hear that a child is suffering from depression. Such statement reveals two main misconceptions: (1) lack of understanding about clinical depression; and (2) childhood is a stress-free, trouble-free, and carefree part in our lives.

Clinical depression is not the same as the occasional down moods that everyone feels. It could be like such blues, but, it's much more long-lasting, pervasive, and life-threatening. Unlike the normal emotional dips, it is not necessarily caused by a specific state or events in the life of a child.

Speaking about the second misconception, children do feel stresed out and pressured, considering the many school and home expectations, and the acceptance of peers. Often, adults forget that children doesn't know yet how to control their own lives. Such situation could be really frustrating and frightening to live through each and every day.

Symptoms of Depression in Children

The behavioural symptoms of a child experiencing depression are not exactly the same as that of an adult experiencing depression. Below are the signs of depression in children:

o Constant feeling/s of unhappiness or aloneness.
o Difficulty to enjoy previously favourite activities.
o Remarkable increase in activity or irritability.
o Constant complaints of stomach aches and/or headaches or migraines which doesn't improve with treatment.
o Suicidal actions and thoughts.
o Alcohol and/or drug abuse.
o Poor performance in school.
o Inability to deal with daily responsibilities and activities.
o Sustained poor concentration, low energy, and/or boredom.
o Changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
o Exhibiting troublesome or poor conduct at home or at school.

Causes of Depression in Children

There's no single and specific reason why children experience depression. Its cause is actually unknown yet. It could be due to any combination of factors associated with mental, psychological, or physical conditions; family history or genetic vulnerability; life events; environment; and biochemical disturbance. Environmental and psychological components include but not limited to: conflicts in parent-child relationship, low self-esteem, and loss of loved ones.

Treatment for Depression in Children

Treatment ought to vary logically to fit the certain needs and situation of the depressed child. This is mainly because of the many variations in types and causes of childhood depression. Some symptoms may merely suggest a change in habits or behaviour, while more intense warning signs require the expertise of a child psychologist. Treatment for this stage of depression may include anti-anxiety medications, cognitive-behavioural therapy, or a combination of these.

If you are seeking for the help of an expert and sympathetic child psychiatrist in Melbourne, visit the website of VCPS: VCPS.com.au.