Depression in Children: A Likely
Occurrence
If you think that depression only occurs in adults, then you
are wrong. Depression in children can also take place and can
merely take the joy out of a child's life. Children can become
depressed after the loss of a significant other or even a loss
of a pet. Depression in children can also occur after
hospitalization or after an illness.
About 3 out of every 100 children suffer from depression. It is
difficult to tell if your child suffers from this disorder
because children are normally moody. Also, the symptoms of
depression in children are different from adults making it even
harder to be diagnosed by experts. So if you think that your
child may be showing signs of depression which lasts form weeks
to months, then it is better to tell your doctor about it.
The Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Children
The principal symptoms of depression in children include:
despair, sadness, and mood changes. They are often masked off
by angry behavior or by an extremely low mood. Although these
indicators may be experienced by children from time to time, it
differs from normal blues since it materializes in a severe and
chronic fashion.
Other signs typical to depression in children consist of:
changes in eating and sleeping patterns, continuous unexplained
crying and whining, poor concentration in school and in family
affairs, social withdrawal, and feelings of guilt. If any of
these symptoms can be repeatedly observed in your children, it
would be a wise step to have them seen by a health
professional.
The Causes of Depression in Children
The cause of depression both in adults and children is not
fully understood. However, it is believed to be initiated by
the brain chemicals released by our body. These chemicals are
triggered when any of these events take place: ingestion of
steroids and narcotics as a form of pain relief, lifestyle
events which can generate stress such as transfer to a new
home, death of a loved one, and hospitalization.
It is also assumed that depression in children can be
inherited. Also, the occurrence of another disease such as
hypothyroidism can contribute to the onset of depression in
children. Other mental problems such as ADHD, eating disorder
and anxiety can come in combination with depression. It is
important to have your child evaluated by a physician in order
to know the right treatment.
Parents are expected to guide their children's proper growth in
both the mental and physical aspects. The treatments you read
in books and web pages are given to guide you accordingly and
not intended to replace the advice of
doctors.
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