According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), depression in children was not a recognized disorder until the 1980s. Previously, children usually were thought to be going through a phase or acting out for other reasons. Rarely were children diagnosed with any mental problems associated with their behavior. Children now are scrutinized for other causes for their behavior and often are helped with therapy and medications for depression.
Development
Researchers at the NIMH report that half of lifetime illnesses related to depression are formed by time a person turns 14-years-old.
Statistics
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports that close to 5 percent of children and adolescents in the general population suffer from some form of depression.
Evaluation
School counselors, psychiatrists, social workers and behavioral therapists, can evaluate children and adolescents for depression.
Symptoms
Symptoms of depression in children can include continual problems at school or home, difficulty sleeping, changes in eating habits, social withdrawal and self-destructive behaviors.
Triggers
Signs of depression can be triggered by a traumatic event, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce or moving.
Warning
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that all anti-depression medication carry a warning that there is an increased risk of thoughts of suicide or actual attempts in children taking the drugs.
