Medical review: Dr. Gonzalo Ramirez General Practitioner and Psychologist October 2022 Childhood depression is a psychological disorder characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest in activities that were once considered fun for children. Some signs and symptoms that may indicate depression during childhood include unwillingness to play, bed wetting, frequent complaints of tiredness, headache or bellyache, and learning difficulties. These symptoms can go unnoticed or be confused with tantrums or shyness, but if these symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, it is advisable to go to the pediatrician or child psychiatrist to assess the psychological health status and verify the need to start treatment. In most cases, treatment includes psychotherapy sessions and the use of antidepressant medication, but the support of parents and teachers is essential to help the child come out of depression, as this disorder can hinder the child's development. Main symptoms The main symptoms of childhood depression are: 1. Sad appearance; 2. Irritability or frequent aggression; 3. Feelings of emptiness, guilt or inferiority; 4. Lack of willingness or willingness to play; 5. Frequent headache; 6. Rapid mood swings or easy crying; 7. Excessive tantrums or temper tantrums; 8. Frequent abdominal pain; 9. Loss or excessive increase in appetite; 10. Weight loss or gain; 11. Difficulty sleeping at night or excessive sleep during the day; 12. Inattention; 13. Decline in school performance; 14. Fear of being separated from the father or mother; 15. Loss of desire to see friends; 16. Return to bed wetting. However, childhood depression tends to cause symptoms that vary according to the child's age and development, and can be confused with other disorders such as conduct disorder or oppositional-defiant disorder. Here's how to identify oppositional-defiant disorder. If childhood depression is suspected, it is important to consult a child and adolescent psychiatrist or pediatrician for a detailed evaluation and, when indicated, to initiate appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of depression up to age 5 Symptoms of childhood depression in children under age 5 are often difficult to identify. However, children in this age group may experience symptoms such as weight loss, difficulty sleeping, anxiety symptoms such as fear of separation from their parents, and irritability. As the child grows, childhood depression tends to provoke frequent tantrums and temper tantrums and a sad appearance. In addition, children may return to bed wetting, have frequent headaches or abdominal pain, and have a loss of appetite. In the most severe cases, the child may even lose the will to play. Symptoms of depression from 5 to 12 years old Between 5 and 12 years of age, children with childhood depression, in addition to appearing sad, may say they feel uncomfortable, angry or sad, in addition to being able to frequently say phrases such as "nobody likes me", "I don't know how to do anything" or "I am dumb". At this age, symptoms such as irritability, rapid mood swings and easy crying can also be caused by childhood depression, which can also cause other symptoms such as headache, pain in the abdomen or other parts of the body. In addition, lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy, loss of desire to play or see friends, and drop in school performance are common at this age.
Symptoms of depression from age 12 In adolescence, which occurs from the age of 12, symptoms of depression can be different and involve problems with memory or attention and isolation, for example. Check out other symptoms of depression in teenagers. Possible causes Childhood depression is usually caused by traumatic situations, especially when persistent or recurring, such as family arguments, parents' divorce, school change, child's lack of contact with caregivers or their death. In addition, situations such as abuse, sexual abuse, daily living with alcoholic or drug-dependent parents can also contribute to the development of depression and the risk tends to be even greater in case of a history of depression in the parents or a history of chronic diseases in the child, such as intellectual disability or epilepsy. How to confirm the diagnosis The diagnosis is usually made by the child and adolescent psychiatrist, taking into account the present symptoms and tests performed to assess the child's mood and the impact of the symptoms on their life, which may involve the analysis of drawings made by the child and specific questionnaires for depression. childish. However, the diagnosis of this disease is not easy, especially in younger children, since the symptoms are difficult to identify. In addition, childhood depression can be confused with characteristics of the child itself, such as shyness, irritability and moodiness, and parents may even consider normal behaviors for their age in some cases.
How is the treatment done? The treatment of childhood depression mainly involves carrying out psychotherapy. However, antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine and sertraline may also be necessary, being usually indicated in older children, in more severe cases or when there is not a satisfactory response with psychotherapy alone. When indicated, antidepressants usually start to take effect only a few weeks after starting treatment, which is usually indicated for a minimum of 6 months, depending on the severity of the depression. In addition, side effects such as headache, nausea and abdominal pain may occur and should be reported to the doctor as they may indicate the need for medication adjustments. Regardless of its severity, the support of caregivers, family members and teachers is essential for the child to return to participating in school activities and with other children. In addition, it is important to seek counseling to resolve family problems, adequately treat other illnesses that the child may have, and adopt an appropriate sleep and eating routine for the child.
How to help with depression Some measures to help the child in case of childhood depression are: · Stimulate a balanced diet; · Encourage her to develop activities she enjoys without pressure; · Encouraging the child to play with others; · Stimulate the practice of physical activities, such as games that move, sports or riding a bicycle; · Give the necessary attention and show support; · Adopt a healthy sleep routine, avoiding sleeping late and getting enough sleep; · Seek alternatives to solve family problems in harmony; · Alert teachers and involve the school in the treatment, especially if bullying is suspected. If there are other diseases, it is also important to treat them properly and, when medication is indicated, use them as directed by the doctor. In addition, proper medical follow-up is essential. Bibliography · STATPEARLS. Depression In Children. 2022. Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534797/>. Accessed on 09 Sep 2022 · WHALEN, Diana J; SYLVESTER, Chad M; LUBY, Joan L. Depression and Anxiety in Preschoolers: A Review of the Past 7 Years. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. Vol.26, n.3. 503–522, 2017 · CHARLES, Julian; FAZELI, Mandana. Depression in children. Aust Fam Physician. 46. 12; 901-907, 2017 · MENDELSON, Tamar; TANDON, S. Darius. Prevention of Depression in Childhood and Adolescence. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 25.2; 201-218, 2016 https://www.tuasaude.com/sintomas-de-depressao-nas-criancas/
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