Children also suffer from depression
at times. Childhood depression is different from the normal "blues" and
everyday emotions that occur as a child develops. If the sadness becomes
persistent, or interferes with normal social activities, interests,
schoolwork, or family life, it may indicate that he or she has a
depressive illness. Keep in mind that while depression is a serious
illness, it is also a treatable one.
Depression is a mental
health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of
interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life is
known as depression.·
1) Possible causes include a combination
of biological, psychological and social sources of
distress.Increasingly, research suggests that these factors may cause
changes in brain function, including altered activity of certain neural
circuits in the brain.·
2) The persistent feeling of sadness or
loss of interest that characterizes major depression can lead to a range
of behavioral and physical symptoms. These may include changes in
sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior or
self-esteem.Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide.·
3)The mainstay of treatment is usually medication, talk
therapy or a combination of the two.Increasingly, research suggests that
these treatments may normalize brain changes associated with
depression.
Signs of Depression in children.
The
symptoms of depression in children vary. It is often not diagnosed and
untreated because they are passed off as normal emotional and
psychological changes that occur during growth. The primary symptoms of
depression revolve around sadness, a feeling of hopelessness, and mood
changes. Signs and symptoms of depression in children include:
1) Irritability or anger
2) Continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness
3) Social withdrawal Increased sensitivity to rejection
4) Changes in appetite -- either increased or decreased
5) Changes in sleep -- sleeplessness or excessive sleep
6)Vocal outbursts or crying Difficulty concentrating Fatigue and low energy
7) Physical complaints (such as stomachaches, headaches) that don't respond to treatment
8) Reduced
ability to function during events and activities at home or with
friends, in school, extracurricular activities, and in other hobbies or
interests
Not all children have all of these symptoms.
Although some children may continue to function reasonably well in
structured environments, most kids with significant depression will
suffer a noticeable change in social activities, loss of interest in
school and poor academic performance, or a change in appearance.
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