Whenever you hear somebody say that it is only adults who suffer from
depression, while a child or a teen does not, tell him or her, he or
she is wrong. That's a myth. A false and even dangerouws concept. A
kid, whatever the age, can also suffer from many forms of depression.
In fact, the problem of depressed kids can be more prevalent compared
to other ages of development. Childhood depression may not be
adequately met in most of the cases as the symptoms are underestimated
and considered as a normal course of development. Understanding
childhood depression is a challenge to all health professionals.
Common Symptoms
 A depressed kid may have some specific symptoms, which although they
have a resemblance to normal developmental emotional changes, the
symptoms are subtly different. Childhood depression may cause
irritability rather than sadness. Additionally it may also result in
hopelessness and boredom. Commonly it is seen that a depressed child
moves slowly and sometimes zombie like. One needs a thorough
understanding of depression in childhood so that the symptoms may not
be confused with a normal emotional tantrum.
Associated Risks
A careful understanding of childhood depression is important because if
it is left untreated for any long period of time, it may lead to
suicide or suicidal attempts. Children may also experience depression
for parental conflict. Understanding depression is an important part of
identifying the difference between normal moodiness and symptoms of
depression. For the former the child does not have any probable risks,
however for the later the child is highly vulnerable to different risks
such as suicide or suicidal attempts, decrease in academic performance,
withdrawal from activities, irritation, social isolation and many
others.
Risk Factors
There are a couple of risk factors that can actually cause depression
in a child. The most important risk factor is a depressed family
member. Studies confirm that children having either one or both parents
diagnosed with depression are three times more likely to experience
depression themselves. Children suffering from chronic illnesses such
as diabetes are at higher risk for developing depression. Sexual abuse
and alcoholism or drug addiction in the family may also pose a serious
threat.
Treatments
 The treatment for depressed children is similar to the treatment of
depressed adults. This treatments incorporates counseling, medication
and psychotherapeutic interventions. However, practitioners need a
thorough understanding of depression in childhood as children are at
higher risk for being affected by potential side effects caused by
prescribed medications. Common psychotherapies include
cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, problem-solving
therapy, family therapy and play therapy. The medications used for
treating depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs), atypical antidepressant medications and monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOIs).
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