Not only adults become depressed. Children and teenagers also may have depression, which is a treatable illness. Depression is defined as an illness when the feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child or adolescent's ability to function.

About 5 percent of children and adolescents in the general population suffer from depression at any given point in time. However, children under stress, those who experience loss, or those who have attention, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Depression also tends to run in families.

The behavior of depressed children and teenagers may differ from the behavior of depressed adults. Children and adolescents who cause trouble at home or at school may actually be depressed but not know it. Because the youngster may not always seem sad, parents and teachers may not realize that the troublesome behavior is a sign of depression.

Early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential for depressed children. This is a real illness that requires professional help. Parents should seek help for their child if one or more of these signs of depression persist:

• frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
• feelings of emptiness in life, loss of interest in usual activities
• risk-taking behavior (driving fast or recklessly, etc.)
• rebellious refusal to work in class or cooperate in general
• anger and rage - typically expressed by verbal sarcasm and attack
• inability to concentrate or make decisions
• sensitivity with inclination to over-react to criticism, rejection or failure
• fluctuations between indifference/apathy and excessive activity/talking
• mood swings - the quiet youngster becoming hyperactive, the outgoing youngster becoming withdrawn
• poor self-esteem (self-criticism and blame, sense of personal failure)
• intense ambivalence between dependence and independence
• restlessness and agitation (inability to relax)
• persistent boredom, low energy, excessive television watching
• social isolation, poor communicaiton
• hopelessness, pessimism about the future
• death wishes, suicide ideation, plans, and attempts
• sleep disturbances (decreased or increased)
• weight gain or loss (anorexia, bulimia)
• somatic problems (e.g., headache, stomach)
• vague physical complaints
• talk of, or effort to, run away from home

Although depression experienced by children is usually related to frustration and change in life beyond a level the child can handle, parents should not overlook the possibility of it being due to medical problems. An examination by the family physician is always a good start in determining the cause of the depression. Effective treatment of depressed children, especially if severe, requires a combination of medical and psychological services.

Child and family counseling is available through many of the Child Guidance Clinics located in the county health departments. For information on specific services, contact the county health department in your area or contact the Child Guidance Division (405/271-4470) at the Oklahoma State Department of Health for referral resources.

last modified: September 1999