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Depression Information for Kids

According to SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center, one in every ten children and adolescents are impacted by severe emotional disturbances. It is vital that children learn about depression so they are aware of its nature and effects.

  1. Major Depression

    • Major depression is a mental, emotional and behavioral disorder that can occur in children or adolescents. It can result in substance abuse, failure in school and suicide.

    Signs

    • Signs of depression include persistent sadness, unexplained crying and irritability, feelings of hopelessness and boredom, recklessness, outbursts of complaining, hostility, and disruption in eating and sleeping patterns.

    Risk

    • If depression runs in a child's family (especially if the parent had depression early in life), he is at an increased risk of developing depression.

    Therapy

    • Talk therapy methods are often used to treat depression in children and adolescents. This type of therapy focuses on improving the child's ability to function in the home, school and community.

    About Medications

    • Antidepressants such as Prozac and Paxil are used to treat depression. They should be prescribed with care to children and adolescents to prevent damaging side effects.

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