Depression in a 6-Year-Old

It is difficult to imagine that a 6-year-old can suffer from clinical depression. However, depression is prevalent in people of all ages. According to Rahil Briggs, a child psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, children, even those younger than 6 years old, can have symptoms.

Causes

• A chemical imbalance in the brain can cause depression. Other triggers include stressful events, such as the death of a loved one, abuse or physical illness.

Signs

• Feeling numb, empty, guilty, lonely or unloved are symptoms of depression. In addition, nothing is fun any longer. Children cannot focus on anything, including school, games and television. There is no desire to eat or the child eats all of the time. Some grade school children feel restless. Others cry a lot, seemingly for no reason.

Treatment

• Therapy is usually the recommended treatment for depression in a 6-year-old. Sometimes a combination of therapy and medication is advisable. Family involvement in the treatment can be beneficial.

Significance

• A family history of depression, especially a parent suffering from it at an early age, increases the possibility of a child experiencing it as well.

Warning

• There have been reports of suicidal tendencies in children taking antidepressants. Subsequently, the Food and Drug Administration requires that antidepressants carry a warning label about the risk of suicide. A doctor must closely monitor a child taking medication.