Search results
Anxiety in Children. Anxiety in children is considered a disorder if worries or fears interfere with their life for more than six months. It might be hard to tell if your child is anxious. They might be irritable or complain of feeling sick. Early intervention and treatment can help.
People also ask
Can anxiety and depression affect your child's social life?
What causes anxiety & depression in children?
Is childhood depression a serious mental health issue?
- More than the blues
- What does depression look like in a child?
- Warning signs a child may have depression
- What causes childhood depression?
- Risks of childhood depression
- How to help a child who has depression
- How to find help for a child with depression
Childhood depression is different than a moody kid who sometimes seems down or upset. Children, like adults, have times when they feel “blue” or sad. Emotional fluctuations are normal.
But if those feelings and behaviors last longer than two weeks, they may be a sign of an affective disorder like depression.
Depression isn’t an adult-only illness. Children and adolescents can and do develop depression. Children may go undiagnosed and untreated because parents and caregivers may struggle to recognize the signs of the disorder.
Depression affects about 3 percent of U.S. children. The persistent sadness and symptoms can interfere with daily life, interrupting school and social activities.
Children with depression often experience many of the same depression symptoms as adolescents and adults do. However, children may have a hard time expressing themselves and these feelings because of their limited emotional vocabulary.
SYMPTOMS OF CHILDHOOD DEPRESSION
•sadness or low mood
•feelings of hopelessness
•feelings of worthlessness
•feelings of guilt anger or irritability
Warning signs of depression are emotions or changes that parents and caregivers can see for themselves.
Children may not be sure how to express their feelings to you, or they may be unwilling to. These warning signs can occur in children with depression:
•irritability or anger
•changes in behavior and temperament
•increased or decreased appetite
•increased or decreased sleep
Childhood depression may be the result of a combination of factors. These risk factors alone may not account for the mood disorder, but they might play a role.
These risk factors increase a child’s chances for developing depression:
•Physical health. Children with chronic or severe medical conditions are more likely to be depressed. This includes obesity.
•Stressful events. Changes at home, at school, or with friends can increase a child’s risk for depressive symptoms.
•Environment. A chaotic or stressful home life can put a child at greater risk for a mood disorder like depression.
•Family history. Children who have family members with mood disorders or depression may be more likely to develop depression at a young age.
Childhood depression is a serious condition, but it is treatable. However, if it’s not treated, children may experience consequences for many years to come.
These complications include:
•suicidal thoughts or behaviors
•worsening symptoms
•increased risk of developing depression that’s worse or prolonged later
•severe depressive episodes
Treatment for children with depression involves therapy and prescription medication. Some children may benefit from one of these — others may use a combination.
These are not lifelong treatments. Your child’s doctor will prescribe a treatment plan, and they’ll decide when it’s appropriate for your child to stop using it.
Treating childhood depression starts with finding the right provider and the right type of treatment.
These steps can help.
1. Talk with your child. While it may be difficult, try to have a conversation with your child about what they’re feeling and experiencing. Some children will open up. This will help you understand what’s happening.
2. Take notes. If your child will not talk with you, keep a diary of observable changes and signs. This can help a doctor see behavior trends.
3. Talk to the pediatrician. Your child’s doctor will first want to rule out physical issues that could account for the symptoms. This may require a series of blood tests and a physical exam.
4. Find a specialist. If your child’s pediatrician believes the issue is a mood disorder like depression, they may recommend you to a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. These doctors are trained to recognize and treat childhood depression.
Nov 9, 2023 · There are many risks that may contribute to childhood depression, including: A close family member with depression. A history of depression, anxiety disorders , gender dysphoria , attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or conduct issues.
Jul 30, 2006 · Childhood Depression, Childhood Anxiety. Signs Your Child Is Depressed. The Key: Diagnosis. 9 min read. Depression in children is an increasingly recognized problem. Learn the symptoms of...
- Daniel J. Denoon
Jul 7, 2021 · A decades-long study has found that childhood depression is associated with poorer well-being indicators in adulthood, including: Anxiety and substance use disorders. Worse health and social functioning. Less financial and educational achievement. Increased criminality.
- Sarah Simon
May 16, 2022 · Studies show an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression in children in recent years. Learn about the signs, available support, and treatment options.
Jul 25, 2023 · Although fears and worries are typical in children, persistent or extreme forms of fear and sadness could be due to anxiety or depression. Because the symptoms primarily involve thoughts and feelings, they are sometimes called internalizing disorders.
