The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that determining whether a child is experiencing a normal phase in development or exhibiting signs of depressions is a difficult task. Compounding this problem, point out Drs. Rita Wicks-Nelson and Allen Israel in their book "Behavioral Disorders of Childhood," is that research regarding childhood depression is not yet as robust as research in adults because many practitioners did not believe that children could become clinically depressed. Professionals now recognize that children can become depressed, although some of their symptoms may differ from those of adults with depression.
Behavioral Change
Often the first indications that a child is depressed may be noticeable behavioral changes. These may include changes in mood, acting out, withdrawal or isolation and distractibility. Changes in behavior may indicate a number of different problems in a child, such as depression, abuse victimization, anxiety, poor parental discipline, drug use or reactions to stress. Determining the cause of the problem can be difficult, therefore. An evaluation by a licensed health professional may be necessary.
Depressed Mood
A depressed child appears profoundly sad throughout the day almost every day for a period of at least two weeks. Drs. John Curry and Mark Reinecke write in "Cognitive Therapy with Children and Adolescents" that an irritable mood may also indicate the presence of depression.
Loss of Pleasure
Activities that used to evoke excitement in a child may fail to do so if a child is depressed. When a depressed child engages in things she usually finds fun, she may express a lack of enjoyment.
Changes in Appetite
Dr. Kenneth Merrell writes in "Helping Students Overcome Depression and Anxiety" that adults often experience a significant loss of weight when depressed. In children, weight loss may be characterized by a failure to attain expected weight gains. Conversely, a depressed child may overeat as a means of coping.
Sleep Problems
A depressed child may experience insomnia, or a difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. In some instances, however, the child may want to sleep too much, refusing to get out of bed or taking frequent naps.
Slowness or Agitation
Physically, depressed children may appear to have slowed down, and they complete activities very slowly. This symptom may also be marked by physical agitation, in which the child is constantly moving about.
Loss of Energy
Despite getting a full night of sleep, a depressed child may continue to complain of fatigue. She may become tired easily when engaging in activities or may lack the motivation to start a task or activity.
Worthlessness or Excessive Guilt
A depressed child may put himself down or say negative things about himself. Additionally, the youngster may express excessive guilt regarding things she perceives responsibility for, even though she may hold little or none. The depressed child may feel overwhelming guilt about her poor behavior, accidents like a spilled glass of milk, arguments with friends or difficulties his parents are experiencing in their lives.
Problems Concentrating
Depressed children may begin to have difficulties in school, often indicated by falling grades. The child may be unable to stay on task when completing both homework and fun assignments. Concentration difficulties may affect many areas in the child's life in addition to school, including completion of chores, play with friends and family relationships.
Decision Making
Making even small decisions may overwhelm a depressed child. Mounting responsibility, such as a typical child's busy schedule of finishing homework, participating in multiple extracurricular activities, spending time with friends or family, paper routes and completing chores at home, may compound problems with making decisions.
Physical Complaints
A depressed child may complain frequently about stomachaches, headaches or other bodily pains. An examination by a doctor may determine that these aches and pains have no physical causes. This symptom is common in children with depression.
References
- "Behavior Disorders of Childhood, Fifth Edition"; Rita Wicks-Nelson, Ph.D. and Allen C. Israel, Ph.D.; 2003
- "Cognitive Therapy with Children and Adolescents"; Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D., Frank M. Dattilio, Ph.D. and Arthur Freeman, Ph.D.; 2003
- "Helping Students Overcome Depression and Anxiety"; Kenneth W. Merrell, Ph.D.; 2001
- National Institute of Mental Health: Depression in Children and Adolescents
