Can Children Suffer from Depression?
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Roughly 2.5% of American children suffer from depression, according to MedicineNet.com. Contrary to common notion that it only affects teens and adults, this condition can also be observed in children. No matter how old your child may be, he or she can suffer from depression, a medical disorder that involves having feelings of low mood and self-esteem.
Learn about Manic Depression in Children
Younger children and adolescents may suffer from manic depression, also known as bipolar depression. They may experience extreme mood swings and severe feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
BBC News reported in 2001 that manic depression affects 1 in 200 young people. Note also that this kind of depression may also co-exist with or may be masked by other conditions: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or conduct disorder (CD).
If left untreated, depression may result to a child committing suicide. Statistics show that a considerable percentage of adolescents attempt suicide today and that 60-80 percent of suicide victims are found to have depressive disorder.
Do Not Worry, Depression Is Treatable
Based on the web site of the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “depression is a serious medical illness.” It does not simply refer to the normal sad emotions that your child feels as he is growing up. Childhood depression occurs when your child experiences persistent symptoms of loneliness, hopelessness and mood changes that may be disruptive later on, affecting his relations with his family, conduct of his social activities, performance in school and general health.
Although depression may be a serious condition, the good news is that it can be treated. Treatment for depression may be in the form of medications and other psychotherapies. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are also depression treatments recommended by nutrition experts such as Dr. Joseph Mercola.
Because it is not easy to tell if your child is just feeling “blue” temporarily or if he or she is already suffering from depression, you should take him to the pediatrician for proper diagnosis. The doctor should be able to help you know if your child is showing symptoms of depression and will probably be able to refer you to a psychiatrist who specialize in treatment.
Get more information on childhood depression. Check this site for articles and tips on your child’s health.
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[...] Depression is a serious medical problem that needs to be treated right away. It does not only affect an individual’s mental health, it can also have profound negative effects on his overall health and wellness. Therefore, anyone, especially a kid, who is suspected of having depression, should be diagnosed to get proper, adequate treatment as soon as possible. [...]
i am a child with deprssion and it is horrible it really affects your social life wich is crucial when your in middle school like me i find that prosac medication works