Rising depression in children: Why?
Rates of childhood depression have been rising in the last several years. Yet, information and awareness about childhood depression has not caught on at the same rate. Millions of people across the world wonder and doubt if children can get depressed. Many well-intentioned adults still believe that children ‘can’t get depressed. They are so young- what do they have to be depressed about? When we were that age, we were just happy’. Alongside misunderstanding are stigma and the idea that mental illness is a taboo subject.
What we now know: -
What we now know: -
- Childhood depression is a real, distinct clinical entity.
- It is a serious health condition, which if left untreated, increases risk of future, prolonged and more severe depressive episodes. Untreated depression in childhood and adolescence can pose risk of suicide.
- Depression often has biological, psychological and social underpinnings. An individualized treatment plan that explores and addresses each of these aspects, works best.
- Effective treatment options for childhood and teen depression have been widely tested, proven and established, through several scientific studies over the years.
- Childhood depression can be hidden and therefore, easily missed. Timely recognition and treatment can be life-changing as well as life-saving.
Common Signs of Depression in Childhood or Adolescence:-
Depression in childhood/adolescence can manifest somewhat differently than it does in adults. Irritability and/or anger are more common signs of depression in children and teens.
Depressed younger children are more likely to have physical or bodily symptoms, such as aches or pains, restlessness, distress during separation from parents, as they may not have the emotional balance and/or expressive abilities to talk about their emotions.
Other signs of depression in children and teens can be:
- Loss of interest in usual fun activities
- Withdrawal from social or usual pleasurable activities
- Difficulties with concentration
- Running away from home or talking about running away from home
- Talking about death or dying, giving away (or talking about giving away) favourite possessions, writing goodbye letters
- Sleep increase (or decrease)
- Appetite/weight changes (more likely an increase, in depressed teens)
- Occasionally, new or recent onset agitation or aggression
- Comments indicating hopelessness or low self-worth
Not all of the above-mentioned symptoms have to be present for a diagnosis of depression. Symptoms usually occur on most days, for at least 2 weeks, in order to meet criteria for depression.
What Kind of Treatment needed?:-
For mild to moderate depression, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is the typical first-line treatment of choice for children and teens. There can be exceptions to this, depending on the specific clinical condition, age and circumstance of the child. For children younger than 10, other modalities of psychotherapy such as play therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and behaviour therapy may be utilized. For moderate to severe depression, evidence-based guidelines recommend a combination of CBT and antidepressant medications.
What Kind of Treatment needed?:-
For mild to moderate depression, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is the typical first-line treatment of choice for children and teens. There can be exceptions to this, depending on the specific clinical condition, age and circumstance of the child. For children younger than 10, other modalities of psychotherapy such as play therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and behaviour therapy may be utilized. For moderate to severe depression, evidence-based guidelines recommend a combination of CBT and antidepressant medications.