According to the National Institute of Mental Health, childhood depression is an indicator that those children will suffer from more severe mental illnesses as an adult. There are multiple reasons that contribute to a child suffering from depression, and it's usually a combination of factors and issues. A combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy seems the most effective form of treatment.
Genetics
A child who has family members, especially parents or siblings, suffering from depression or have suffered from depression has a greater chance of struggling with the disorder. Parents of children who have family members with depression should be able to recognize early signs of depression in case their children start to struggle with the disorder. Some signs include sadness or irritability, sleep issues, weight gain or loss, refusing to go to school and stopping activities that used to bring pleasure. Dealing with depression early can help decrease thoughts of suicide and impairment at school.
Also, if a child is raised in a home where his parent or parents suffer from depression, he may not learn the coping skills necessary to deal with life events and stressors.
Chemical Imbalances
According to Penn State Children's Hospital, chemical imbalances in a child's brain are one factor in childhood depression. The chemicals related to depression are serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Medication can help to balance these chemicals in a child's brain to reduce symptoms. However, many antidepressants come with side effects and risks, so parents should discuss this option in detail with the child's doctor and psychiatrist before making any decisions.
Life Stressors
Everybody deals with stress in different ways. Some children who are exposed to a major stressor--such as the death of a parent, switching to a new school or being bullied regularly--may develop depression if they're unable to cope in healthy ways. Children and teens deal with stress regularly and need to know how to positively cope with it, so they don't develop depressive or anxiety disorders. Children who use negative forms of coping, such as drinking or using drugs, may also develop depression.
