Childhood Depression

Childhood Depression: A Growing Problem

Childhood depression is a growing problem. Research indicates that childhood depression is occurring at increasingly younger ages than ever before, and if left untreated, childhood depression may become even more severe during adult life.

Recognizing Childhood Depression

Early diagnosis can keep childhood depression from becoming too severe. Unfortunately, childhood depression is often mistaken and mislabeled as normal "kid" behavior. Children with childhood depression often have difficulty communicating their emotional feelings or needs, which makes childhood depression difficult to diagnose.

Childhood depression does not always manifest in the same way as adult depression. A depressed child may show signs of agitation and irritability, may have headaches and stomachaches, and trouble sleeping. Other signs of childhood depression include difficulty concentrating, a change in appetite, and general malaise.

Causes of Childhood Depression

Childhood depression is often connected to anxiety and disruptive behavior. Issues of physical and/or sexual abuse, abuse of drugs or alcohol in teenage years, are common factors in childhood depression.

Girls are twice as likely as boys to develop childhood depression. Recent studies have linked childhood depression to genetics. Having a parent, grandparent, or other relative with depression raises the possibility of a child developing childhood depression.

Learn More About Childhood Depression Issues

You will find additional information about childhood depression on our web site. Visit our FAQS pages, suggested reading lists, and webinars for more information on childhood depression.