b”Childhood Depression checklist for suicidal thoughts
Main page > Depression in children
A Surgeon General’s report in January, 2001, says in the United States, 1 in 10 children and adolescents suffer from mental illness severe enough to cause some level of impairment. Yet, in any given year, fewer than 1 in 5 of these children receives needed treatment.
The long-term consequences of untreated childhood disorders are costly, in both human and fiscal terms.
www.surgeongeneral.gov/cmh/
The National Mental Health Association estimates that 5% of children suffer from severe depression. Those who experience a loss, high stress, learning or conduct disorder are at higher risk for depression.
Less severe forms include dysthmia, a moderately depressed mood lasting for over a year, and adjustment disorder, caused by a stressful situation, lasting less than six months.
The behavior of children who are depressed is different from that of depressed adults. Often, these children may not seem sad or unhappy. They may begin to spend more time alone, rather than playing with friends, and they may talk of wanting to be dead. Other warning signs of depression in children include:
Persistent feeling of sadness.
Inability to enjoy previously favorite activities.
Increased activity or irritability.
Frequent complaints of headaches and/or stomach pains that do not improve with treatment.
Suicidal thoughts and actions.
Alcohol and/or drug abuse.
Attendance problems or decreased performance in school.
Difficulty dealing with everyday activities and responsibilities.
Persistent boredom, low energy, and/or poor concentration.
Changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns.
Exhibiting troublesome behavior at school or home.
Causes
There does not appear to be any single cause for depression in children. Rather there are biological, psychological, and environmental causes, which may occur individually or in combination to cause childhood depression. The biological causes relate to hereditary, biochemical hormonal, neurological factors, and more recently, seasonal changes associated with decreased amounts of light.
Psychological and environmental factors include the loss of loved ones, conflicts in child-parent relationships, and low self-esteem. Also important are the ways children regard and manage everyday activities and their ability to structure their world.
Treatment
Because of the variations in types and causes of childhood depression, treatment must logically vary to suit the individual child. Some symptoms may simply suggest a change in habits or behavior, while more severe signs of depression require the assistance of a professional.
Treatment for severe depression in children may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, antidepressant and anti anxiety medications, or a combination of these.
Know the Facts
Recent studies show that at any given time, as many as one in every thirty-three children may have clinical depression. The rate of depression among adolescents may be as high as one in eight (Center for Mental Health Services).
Children under stress, who experience loss, or who have attention learning, or conduct disorders are at higher risk for depression. Early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential for depressed children (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry).
Incidence of depression and the associated risk of suicide increase significantly during adolescence (National Association of School Psychologists).
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds and the sixth leading cause of death for 5-14 year olds (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry).
Less than one-third of the children under age 18 with a serious emotional disturbance receive any mental health services. Often the services received are inappropriate (Children’s Defense Fund).
Because depression may coexist with other disorders such as Anxiety Disorder(s) and Attention Deficit Disorder, recognizing and diagnosing childhood depression can be difficult (National association of School Psychologists).
Depression is one of the most treatable mental illnesses. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for depressed children and can lead to better long-term health (National Mental Health Association).
Parents should note the behaviors that concerns them, how long they have been going on, how often they occur, and how severe they seem. Then, seek the advice of the child’s pediatrician or family physician. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for depressed children and can lead to better long-term health.
For more information, contact your local Mental Health Association, pediatrician, school counselor, community mental health center or:
National Mental Health Association
www.nmha.org
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone 800-969-NMHA
American Psychiatric Association
www.psych.org
Director of Public Affairs
Department Code NCDA-97
1400K Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
www.ascap.org
3615 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Phone 800-333-7636
Depression and Related Affective Disorders Association
www.med.jhu.edu/drada/
Meyer 3-181, 600 North Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21287-7381
Phone 410-955-4647
National Association of School Psychologists
http://www.nasponline.org
4340 East West Highway, Suite 402
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone 301-657-0270
This fact sheet is from the National Mental Health Association. 1997″