Childhood depression
Depression in children and teenagers is relatively common – 1 in 4 young people have experienced by the age of 19. However, it can often be difficult to detect and distinguish from the normal emotional changes that children and especially teenagers go through. Spotting the signs early and helping your child get treatment will minimise disruption to their life.
What are the symptoms of depression in children and teenagers?
Symptoms can include:
- difficulty with sleeping
- difficulty concentrating at school
- loss of interest in the things they used to enjoy
- being withdrawn – not joining in with family or friends
- changes in appetite
- being indecisive
- irritability and grumpiness
They might also tell you that:
- they have low self-confidence or feel worthless
- they are tired all the time
- they feel empty or numb
- they feel ill all of the time
Older children may start to use alcohol or drugs.
Some of the strongest indicators of depression are self-harming or having thoughts about suicide.
These symptoms might only be apparent some of the time, depending on the severity of your child’s depression. Severe depression is likely to have an impact on their involvement and performance at school.
How is depression in children diagnosed?
If you’ve noticed these symptoms for a while (longer than two weeks) or a conversation with your child has made you concerned, you can make an appointment with your GP. The GP may refer your child to a local mental health service.
Diagnosing depression involves talking about the symptoms your child is experiencing and how long they have had them for. There are no specific medical tests to diagnose depression.
What causes depression in children?
The causes of depression in children are similar to in adults – it can be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Some of us are “predisposed” to depression and have a family history of it. This does not necessarily mean we will develop depression ourselves, but we may be more likely to develop it in combination with difficult life events.
Among children, life events that may trigger depression can include:
- family problems such as divorce or domestic abuse
- sexual abuse
- bullying
- bereavement
How is depression in children treated?
Treatment for depression can include antidepressant medication and psychotherapy, depending on the severity of the child’s condition. The mental health team, composed of psychotherapists and counsellors, might initially recommend psychotherapy on its own or medication, then a combination of the two if treatment hasn’t worked. During this time, you will be given advice on what you can do to support your child and help them recover.
Childhood behavioural disorders and how to positively treat them
By Dr Rahul Bharat
2024-12-18
There is a large range of reasons for unruly behaviour, and it can be difficult to know whether a child or teenager’s difficult behaviour is “normal” or a sign of an underlying issue. Dr Rahul Bharat, a consultant paediatric neurologist, clarifies what to look out for and how to deal with behavioural problems in a positive manner. See more
Why bullying matters
By Dr Maite Ferrin
2024-12-07
Children who have been bullied at primary school are more likely to be bullied as they get older, and be victimised later on in life as an adult. Maite Ferrin, a child and adolescant psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health in London, explains to us exactly what bullying is and why children bully others. See more
Understanding child and adolescent psychiatry
By Dr Derek Blincow
2024-12-05
Dr Derek Blincow is an expert child and adolescent psychiatrist, which cares for children up to the age of 18 with mental health and psychological problems. Here Dr Blincow explains the most common disorders experienced by children and adolescents. See more
What do I do if my child is being bullied? Tips for parents.
By Dr Maite Ferrin
2024-12-01
It can be hard to know if your child's being bullied at school, and even if you do know, it can be hard to know what to do in that situation. Maite Ferrin, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health in London, shares with us some tips for parents on what to do if their child is being bullied. See more
Experts in Childhood depression
-
Dr Jon Goldin
PsychiatryExpert in:
- Childhood depression
- Paediatric psychiatry
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Emotional control
- Behavioural problems
-
Dr Jugjinder Singh
PsychiatryExpert in:
- Childhood depression
- Paediatric psychiatry
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Self-harm
- Personal development
-
Dr Colette Solebo
PsychiatryExpert in:
- Paediatric psychiatry
- Autism
- Anxiety
- Childhood depression
- ADHD
- Low self-esteem
-
Dr Shahid Ahmad
Child & adolescent psychiatryExpert in:
- Anxiety
- Childhood depression
- ADHD
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Tics
- See all
Mindfulness Health Solutions
Mindfulness Health Solutions
PO Box 10794, Nottingham NG1 9LX
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
Mindfulness Health Solutions
PO Box 10794, Nottingham NG1 9LX, NottinghamExpert in:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Autism
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Most viewed diseases, medical tests, and treatments
- Alzheimer's disease
- School refusal
- Migraine
- Maternal mental health
- Pelvic pain syndrome
- Seizures
- Parkinson's disease
- Expert witness
- Anxiety
- Long Covid