Could your child be depressed? The rate of childhood and adolescent depression has increased at an alarming rate for decades. The average age of onset has dropped significantly, and over half of these depressed children risk the recurrence of depression within seven years. Symptoms of adolescent depression are similar to adult depression and should be taken as seriously. The primary difference between childhood and adult depression is that children tend to reveal their depression through behavior, while adults do so verbally.

Symptoms

&bull Loss of energy, appearing sick

&bull Mood swings and negative self talk

&bull Aggressive actions, talk of suicide

&bull Anger and hate towards everything

&bull Disruptive behavior in school

&bull Poor performance in school

Causes of Depression

It is difficult to pinpoint exact causes of depression. Depression in children and adolescents can be attributed to poor parenting, negative feelings, and traumatic experiences. Depression can also be hereditary if there is a history of psychiatric conditions in one's family. Depression in some children and adolescents could be innate, then triggered by an environmental situation.

Child and adolescent behavior changes in every aging stage, making it difficult to separate depression from just a "phase." Depression can be determined by visiting your child's physician, who will suggest a mental evaluation by a therapist if the child is physically healthy. If the child is diagnosed as depressed, treatment will need to be administered.

Treatment

Treatment of depression usually begins with psychotherapy or . It is believed that cognitive-behavioral therapy may be most effective. The adolescent is encouraged to view themselves and situations positively instead of destructively. Family therapy is also an option. If the child does not respond well to psychotherapy, anti-depressants such as Prozac or Zoloft may be prescribed.

Once treatment has ended, it is important to understand the possibility of recurrence. The child or adolescent, and family, should be educated on the early warning signs of depression so it can be treated as soon as possible.