A variety of reasons can lead to depression in kids, just as it does for adults. Unique factors sometimes involve children and spotting them may help avoid depressive symptoms later on in life. Children with depression may show signs, such as loss of appetite or losing weight. They may not enjoy playing, feel as if they cannot do anything right or reveal a lack of confidence. If depression is suspected, children can talk to counselors, psychologists or psychiatrists. Therapy and medication can treat depression in kids.
Genetics
An imbalance of chemicals in the brain may be linked to childhood depression, according to FamilyDoctor.org, the website for the American Academy of Family Physicians. Depression results when there aren't enough mood-controlling chemicals in the brain for proper functioning. As a result, a person loses the ability to feel good. A family history of mood disorders increases the risk of a child developing recurrent depression, according to Northern County Psychiatric Associates in Baltimore, Maryland. Researchers have wondered how much a role biology or environment plays in depression, but there may be a combined effect. In some cases, children may inherit a tendency toward depression and anxiety, and environmental causes trigger the initial appearance of depression.
Environment
Inconsistent parenting may be involved in childhood depression, Northern County Psychiatric Associates notes. Divorce can have a huge impact on the young mind, leading to depression. Friction or violence between the parents can have an effect. Children of abusive parents become depressed whether they are abused emotionally or physically. The children may develop a lower self-esteem than other children, blaming themselves for family problems or feeling they lack abilities to perform tasks. The connection between upbringing and depression can be seen in the many adults who reveal neglect, abuse and parental conflict when asked to describe childhood experiences, according to Northern County Psychiatric Associates.
Stressful Events
Emotional and social turmoil produce depressive symptoms in youth, according to KidsHealth. Stress can be devastating to a teen, involving everything from breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend to the death of a family member or pet. Sudden changes may trigger depression. Moving to a new home or changing to a new school are some reasons children and teens become depressed, according to FamilyDoctor.org. There are also hormonal changes during puberty that can cause confusion and lead to depression. As with people of all ages, children are affected by chronic illness, which can contribute to depression. An illness affecting another family member can also cause depression in a child.
