Until the late 20th century, mental health professionals thought that children could not suffer from depression. Research, however, indicates that children suffer from several forms of depression. The National Association of Mental Illness, also known as NAMI, estimates that 2 percent of school-aged children and 8 percent of teenagers suffer from depression. Depression in children may lead to school failure, early drug or alcohol use and threats or attempts of suicide, states the National Mental Health Information Center.
Major Depression
Children with major depression struggle at home, in school and with friends. Their symptoms include lack of interest in activities previously thought to be fun, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, changes in eating or sleeping patterns and an ongoing state of sadness, says KidsHealth. Behavioral issues may be another indicator of major depression in children. When depressed, many children will not admit to feeling sad or depressed.
Dysthymia
Dysthymia, a mild form of depression, does not cause the same level of daily difficulty as major depression, but it tends to last longer. HealthyPlace states that dysthymia typically appears around the age of 7. At least 10 percent of children suffering from dysthymia later develop major depression, states HealthyPlace. Symptoms of dysthymia in children may include hopelessness, low self-esteem, sadness or irritability. The negative mood associated with dysthymia may affect a child's patterns of sleeping and eating.
Bipolar Disorder
Children with bipolar disorder exhibit episodes of mania--high energy, irritability and explosive temper, alternating with episodes of depression. The emotions related to the depressive aspects of bipolar are the same as major depression and include sadness, hopelessness and low energy. According to HealthyPlace, children with bipolar may also suffer from interrelated issues including irritability, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.
