Childhood Depression

In this essay, the author

• Explains that children tend to express their sadness by behavioral changes, poor. recognizing the symptoms and early signs of childhood depression, seeking diagnosis and treatment, and learning to live with and accept the disorder are important steps for knowledgeable parents.
• Explains that childhood depression has only been recognized as a real clinical problem for about twenty-two years. before that time, children were thought to be behavioral problems that the child would grow out of.
• Explains that depression in infants is often expressed as a failure to thrive, grow physically and act unresponsive. post-partum depression affects 25-30% of mothers.
• Explains that depressed mothers talk, cuddle, and show less affection. babies are rejected because they are unwanted, premature or malformed. preschoolers are more aggressive, self isolating, restless, plagued by sleeplessness and nightmares.
• Explains that older, school-age children may avoid school, feel misdirected guilt, and express their depression by changes in mood and behavior. family dysfunction and low self-esteem are seen as contributing factors.
• Explains that sadness is a normal reaction to disappointment, failure, and distress. if the depression is due to divorce, death, or other major life stressor, the period will inevitably last longer.
• Explains that there are other depressive disorders, such as dysthymia, major depression, bi-polar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.
• Explains that dysthymia is a disorder where the child is miserable all of the time.
• Explains that children with a major depression are sad or irritable most of the day for at least two weeks and have lost pleasure or interest in activities formally enjoyed.
• Explains that children who experience seasonal disorder become tired, lethargic and unhappy beginning in october and lift between mid-february and mid april. if this continues for three years consecutively, the child fits pattern of depression.