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Emotional Symptoms
- Kids and teens with depression often feel a deep sadness for no apparent reason. They may cry a lot, feel guilty about things that aren't their fault and withdraw from friends and family. They may seem very irritable and angry, and lash out at you over little things.
Physical Symptoms
- Depressed kids may have frequent headaches or stomachaches. They may sleep a lot or suffer from insomnia, and they may eat more or less than usual.
Effects
- Children and teens with depression often turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to find relief. School performance and friendships suffer as the depression takes hold and limits the child's ability to function. Depression can lead to suicide, even in children.
Risk Factors
- A child is more likely to develop depression if he has a close family member with the disorder. Traumatic life events can also trigger depression in children and teens. Adolescent girls who have given birth are at risk for postpartum depression.
Treatment
- Depression is highly treatable through therapy and, if necessary, medication. Children and teens taking antidepressants
should be monitored closely because of possible adverse side effects. There is a small risk of antidepressants leading to suicidal thoughts in young people.
