Depression in Children and Teens
What is depression?
Sometimes when people feel sad, they say they are "depressed." But depression is more than just feeling sad. It's a medical illness. It's not your child's fault if he or she is depressed.
What causes depression?
Depression may be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. The body contains chemicals that help control moods. When there aren't enough of these chemicals or when the brain doesn't respond to them properly, you may become depressed. Depression can be genetic (meaning it can run in families).
Depression can also be triggered by stressful events, like the death of a parent or loved one, the breakup or divorce of a relationship, abuse or a physical illness.
Depression is not caused by personal weakness, laziness or lack of willpower.
Depression can also be triggered by stressful events, like the death of a parent or loved one, the breakup or divorce of a relationship, abuse or a physical illness.
Depression is not caused by personal weakness, laziness or lack of willpower.
What are some of the signs of depression in children and teens?
Infants and preschool children who are depressed may have a poor appetite and may lose weight. You may notice that they don't seem to enjoy playing.
School-aged children who are depressed may seem less confident. They might feel like they can't do anything right. Older children and teens who are depressed may seem to stop caring about themselves or family members, may not want to go to school and, in general, may lose interest in life activities. Older children may also show signs of eating more and sleeping more, or eating less and sleeping less.
In some children, the only signs of depression may be having a headache or stomachache, not wanting to go to school or losing their temper. If you notice these signs everyday for several weeks, they might mean your child is depressed.
School-aged children who are depressed may seem less confident. They might feel like they can't do anything right. Older children and teens who are depressed may seem to stop caring about themselves or family members, may not want to go to school and, in general, may lose interest in life activities. Older children may also show signs of eating more and sleeping more, or eating less and sleeping less.
In some children, the only signs of depression may be having a headache or stomachache, not wanting to go to school or losing their temper. If you notice these signs everyday for several weeks, they might mean your child is depressed.
Why do young people get depressed?
The following are some of the reasons children and teens might get depressed:
- The family moves to a new place to live.
- The child has to change to a new school.
- A pet, friend or family member dies.
- Someone in the family is very sick.
- The child experiences the hormonal changes of puberty.
What should I do if I think my child is depressed?
Ask your child about his or her thoughts and feelings. It may also be a good idea to talk to your doctor about your child's behavior and your concerns about depression. In most cases, taking your child to your family doctor is a good idea. A medical problem may be causing the depression. Your doctor may want to give your child a general medical check-up.
What can be done to help depressed children and teens?
Depression can be treated with counseling, medicines called antidepressants, or both. Most depressed children and teens should talk to a counselor, therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist about what is making them feel the way they are feeling. Family counseling can help everyone in the family. Your family doctor can refer you and your child to someone for counseling. Most depressed children and teens do best when they get both counseling and medicine.
How do antidepressants work?
Most antidepressants are believed to work by slowing the removal of certain chemicals from the brain. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are needed for normal brain function. Antidepressants help people with depression by making these natural chemicals more available to the brain. Antidepressants usually take weeks to months to have a full effect.
Are antidepressants safe for children and teens?
In some cases, the use of antidepressants has been linked to an increase in suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior in children and teens. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires antidepressants to carry a warning about the risk of suicide in children, teens, and young adults up to age 24. However, this doesn't mean that people in this age group should not take antidepressants. But it does mean that they should be carefully monitored by their doctors and loved ones while they are on an antidepressant.
Many doctors will want to see a child or teen sometime in the first few weeks after starting an antidepressant to assess any risk for suicide. If you are worried that your child may be suicidal, call your doctor right away or take your child to the nearest emergency room.
Many doctors will want to see a child or teen sometime in the first few weeks after starting an antidepressant to assess any risk for suicide. If you are worried that your child may be suicidal, call your doctor right away or take your child to the nearest emergency room.
Other Organizations
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Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
http://www.dbsalliance.org/
730 N. Franklin St., Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60610-7204
800-826-3632
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Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health
http://www.ffcmh.org
1101 King St., Suite 420
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-7710
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National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
http://www.nami.org
Colonial Place Three 2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201-3042
800-950-6264
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American Psychological Association
http://www.apa.org/
750 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
800-374-2721
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American Psychiatric Association
http://www.psych.org
1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1825
Arlington, VA 22209-3901
888-357-7924
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Revolution Health Depression Community
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/forums/mental-behavioral-health/depression
Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
Depression in Children and Adolescents by SE Son, M.D. and JT Kirchner, D.O. (American Family Physician November 15, 2000, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20001115/2297.html)
Childhood and Adolescent Depression by SK Bhatia, M.D., and SC Bhatia, M.D. (American Family Physician January 1, 2007, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20070101/73.html)
Reviewed/Updated: 03/08
Created: 11/00