Kids' Depression Is Serious but Treatable

Just like grownups, kids can be sad. And just like grownups, they can be depressed.

Depression, however, is more than just feeling sad. In depression, sadness persists, with feelings so intense that they interfere with the child's life. Depression affects a young person's thoughts, feelings, behavior and body and can lead to school failure, alcohol or other drug use, and even suicide, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Depression in the young can be difficult to diagnose. It can occur alone or coexist with other problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral and emotional problems, substance abuse or learning disabilities. The NIMH warns that because normal behaviors vary from one childhood stage to another, it can be difficult to tell whether a child is going through a temporary "phase" or is suffering from depression. If you are worried about your child's behavior, talk to your child's health care provider.

Warning signs

These are possible warning signs of depression:

• Persistent sadness

• Inability to enjoy or loss of interest in favorite activities

• Increased activity or irritability

• Frequent complaints of physical illnesses, such as headaches or stomach aches

• Frequent absences or poor performance in school

• Persistent boredom, feeling hopeless, low energy, or poor concentration

• Major change in eating or sleeping patterns

• Threats or attempts to run away from home

• Alcohol or substance abuse

• Failure to thrive

• Thoughts about death or suicide

Treatment

Children and teens who are depressed can be treated. Treatment includes careful follow-up and monitoring.

Psychotherapy has been successful in treating depression in children and may be all that is necessary. Some children, however, may benefit from antidepressant medication. For moderate or severe depression, a combination of psychotherapy and medication may be the most effective treatment.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressant medications that target the neurotransmitter serotonin and have been shown to help children and adolescents with major depressive disorder. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is the only medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression in children ages 8 and older.

The FDA has warned that SSRI antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in some children and adolescents with major depressive disorder. The warning emphasizes that children and adolescents started on SSRI medications should be closely monitored, especially during the first four weeks of treatment. Health care providers and parents should be alert for any worsening in depression, emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior, and any unusual changes in behavior such as sleeplessness, agitation, and withdrawal from normal social situations.