TOPIC: Depression

Childhood Depression More Common than We Think

Childhood Depression | How to treat and recognize the symptoms

Freelance writer and mother of four, Sara E. Ludwig, shares the story of one of her children’s struggle with depression. Ludwig first noticed her daughter’s symptoms of clinical depression when she was six years old:

clinging more than usual, crying at the smallest provocation, eating less, and having nightmares. Although the situation seemed to resolve on its own in several weeks Ludwig remained on watch for other signs since she had been through depression several times herself. Symptoms showed up again two years later and they made an appointment to see the pediatrician who diagnosed Ludwig’s daughter with childhood depression.

Robert L. Hendren, D.O., past president of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) notes that depression isn’t normally an illness we associate with kids, but it should be. The AACAP estimates that as many as one in 20 children and adolescents is depressed.   ”Clinical depression is like a dark cloud hanging over the child, and there’s often a pervasive feeling of gloom, irritability, and loss of interest.”  According to Hendren, the biggest difference between symptoms of adults and those of children is that while adults are usually sad and withdrawn, children are easily aggravated and may have irrational outbursts.  ”Often, they don’t know how to identify the feeling of depression and how put it into words.

Nevertheless, if a child is often sad, irritable or listless most of the day almost every day and has had at least five of the following symptoms for two weeks or more, be sure to see his primary care physician. Symptoms to look for: bored or low on energy, and having trouble concentrating, lost interest in once-loved activities, easily aggravated and prone to throwing tantrums, having problems at school, or is frequently absent, complaining about headaches, stomachaches, or other physical pain, eating less because food “doesn’t taste good,” or eating more, seemingly to try to soothe himself, having trouble sleeping (or sleeping too much) nearly every day, having difficulty in relationships, or voicing an unusual fascination with death.

Early diagnosis and treatment is key to healthy outcomes. MRI studies have shown that prolonged untreated depression can actually shrink the hippocampus, which helps regulate emotions. This can contribute to problems in school, substance abuse, and, in the most serious cases, even self-harm and suicide when help is delayed.

Basic treatment plans to help children include: lifestyle changes (getting more exercise, eating better), cognitive behavior therapy (focusing on developing realistic, practical ways to cope with depression-distorted thoughts and reactions) and in more severe cases, medication too.

Adapted from an article by Sara E. Ludwig for Parenting.com

In related material, The Optimistic Child, by Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman, is available for continuing education (11CE) for mental health professionals via home study/online at mental health Continuing Education provider Genesis CE.

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