Signs and Symptoms
The hallmark symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling sad or irritable most of the day nearly every day
- Significant change in appetite or weight
- Lack of energy, trouble sleeping
- Restlessness or slowing down of movement
- Difficulty concentrating
- Social withdrawal
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt
- Loss of pleasure in formerly enjoyed activities
- Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches or stomach aches
When to Seek Professional Help
You should seek professional help and guidance when the child:
- Shows a depressed or irritable mood and/or other symptoms for at least two weeks
- Shows a decline in functioning in school, at home or with friends
- Spends time alone at home without interests
- Has thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behavior
How Depression is Treated
A number of treatment methods have proven effective. These include:
- Medication and psychotherapy, which can be equally effective; one or both can be chosen as treatment options
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (ITP), which are two types of therapy that have been found to be effective.
The Risks of Not Treating a Child with Depression
A child with undetected or untreated depression is at risk for:
- Poor school attendance and academic performance
- Problems such as anxiety
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Depression in adulthood
- Suicide
More Information
For more information and a list of related articles, visit the Depression page of our A-Z Disorder Guide.
