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Mood Disorders and Depression in Children

Parents and teachers may have a hard time spotting depression or other mood disorders in children and teenagers. Young people respond differently to the world than adults. Temporary sadness or anger can be mistaken for serious mood disorders, while depression may be misidentified as bad behavior or stubbornness.

  1. Features

    • Mood disorder is a broad term applied when strong emotions interfere with the activities of daily life. According to the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychology (AACAP), the most common mood disorder in young people, serious depression, exists when sadness, anger, or other strong feelings stop a child or teen from functioning in school, with friends or at home.

    Significance

    • According to AACAP, about 5 percent of children and adolescents may have depression. According to research done at Harvard Medical School, other mood disorders, including bipolar disorder are rare, affecting about 2 percent of children and teens.

    Effects

    • Depression often causes unexplained changes in children's behavior. Young people may become more isolated, lose interest in favorite activities or show little enjoyment in life. Teens may turn to drugs or alcohol. Bad behavior and frequent rule-breaking can be another sign.
      Since these symptoms can also be exhibited by children with no depression or mood disorder, evaluation by an experienced mental health counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist will be needed to confirm diagnosis of depression or mood disorder.

    Identification

    • According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, symptoms of depression or mood disorders can include sadness, decreased interest in everyday activities, boredom, lack of energy and inability to make or keep friends. Other signs are low self-esteem, increased anger, and/or bad grades in school. Depressed children and teens may attempt to run away from home, exhibit a fascination with death and talk of suicide.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Family and individual therapy is the most common course of treatment for depression in children. Medication may be prescribed, depending on the severity of the diagnosis. Some health professionals recommend against anti-depressant medication for young children. Treatment for other mood disorders may include therapy or medication, depending on the diagnosis and the age of the child.

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