Studies have indicated that of children from ages six to twelve, as many as one in ten suffer from the illness of depression (American Psychological Association, 1997). The rate of major depressive episode in preschool children is about .4 percent; this rate increases to approximately 2 percent in school aged children. More common than major depressive episodes in children is the depression subtype, dysthymic disorder with a rate of 2.5 percent (Kaplan, Sadock & Grebb, 1994.) Dysthymic disorder is characterized by an irritable or depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, over a period of at least a year (DSM-IV).
The scientific community has conducted several biological investigations on neurotransmitters. The research is suggesting that two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and serotonin, are at significantly low levels during a depressed state. These neurotransmitters, allow the brain's cells to communicate with one another. Antidepressant medications block the inactivation of serotonin and norepinephrine thus allowing these neurotransmitters to be available for needed use by cerebral cortical nerve cells.
Like depression in adults, the illness has the following symptoms: sadness; hopelessness; feelings of worthlessness; change in appetite; recurring thoughts of death or suicide; helplessnes; excessive guilt; loss of interest in activities; increased irritability; loss of energy; inability to concentrate. Some key behaviors to look for in childhood depression, which maybe different from how adult depression presents itself, include a sudden drop in school performance, inability to sit still, outbursts of shouting or complaining or unexplained irritability, crying, expression of fear or anxiety, aggression, refusal to cooperate, use of alcohol or drugs, complaints of aching arms, legs, or stomach with no medical cause.
Therapy is essential for children struggling with depression so that they can develop the skills needed to cope with symptoms of depression. Researchers have also found antidepressants to be helpful to some children, but must be monitored by a physician with expertise in this area, usually a child psychiatrist. The combination of psychotherapy and medication therapy has been proven to have better results than either psychotherapy or medication therapy alone. If you suspect that your child or adolescent is struggling with depression contact a therapist for a comprehensive assessment.
