Childhood Depression Health Information

Top : Child Health : Childhood Depression



Depression is a serious health problem that affects people of all ages, including children and adolescents. It is the persistent experience of a sad or irritable mood and the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities. Children with depression may appear persistently sad, may no longer enjoy activities they normally enjoy, or they may frequently appear agitated, hyper or irritable.

Causes of Childhood Depression:

Scientists do not know the exact mechanism that triggers depressive illness. Probably no single cause gives rise to the illness, and researchers continue to piece the puzzle together. Factors that are known to contribute to depression are heredity, a chemical imbalance in the brain, and high levels of stress.

Some of the causes/risk factors of childhood depression can include:
  • Children under stress, who have experienced loss, or who have attention, learning, or conduct disorders
  • Adolescent girls are more likely than adolescent boys to develop depression
  • A family history of the disorder
  • Four out of every five runaway youth suffer from depression

Symptoms of Childhood Depression:

Common signs and symptoms for childhood depression can include:
  • Persistent sadness and hopelessness.
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities once enjoyed.
  • Increased irritability or agitation.
  • Missed school or poor school performance.
  • Changes in eating and sleeping habits
  • Lack of concentration or forgetfulness.
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
  • Frequent physical complaints such as headaches and stomachaches.
  • Lack of enthusiasm or motivation.
  • Low energy and chronic fatigue.
  • Drug and/or alcohol abuse.
  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

Treatment for Childhood Depression:

Depression is treatable. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for children with depression. Children who exhibit symptoms of depression should be referred to and evaluated by a mental health professional who specializes in treating children and adolescents.

Keywords for Childhood Depression: depression health issues, learn about depression, how to have healthy depression, healthy depression lifestyles, Childhood Depression information, Childhood Depression facts, Childhood Depression health topics, Childhood Depression health issues, learn about Childhood Depression, issues about Childhood Depression, symptoms of Childhood Depression, description of Childhood Depression, health information about Childhood Depression, health news about Childhood Depression, treatments for Childhood Depression, information about children being depressed, mood changes in children, health topics and information about Childhood Depression, is your child depressed, what causes Childhood Depression, risk factors for Childhood Depression, cures for Childhood Depression, children being sad health issue, kids and depression, kids health, learn about kids, lifestyle information for kids