Pallavi Sharma
Childhood Depression is basically a mood disorder in which child feels low, hopeless, irritable and sad. Child with depression may often have mood swings and these mood swings may interfere with the child’s relationships and activities pattern. Child with mild or moderate depression is not able to enjoy those activities which he used to enjoy before depression but in severe cases, child may develop suicidal tendency.
There are various contributing factors which are responsible for developing childhood depression but the most common factors are:- genetic pattern, positive family history of depression, physical deformity, failure and exposure to any traumatic event in life.
The risk factors for developing depression in children are: prolonged illness, discriminating girl child, hormonal changes during the puberty, parental depression, broken families, child abuse or negligence, loss of loved one, anxiety disorders, Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
The depressed child may have low self-esteem, social withdrawal, loss of interest in performing daily or school activities, irritability, inadequate sleep, poor nutritional pattern, weight loss, reduced energy level, fatigue, emotional outbursts, boredom, feeling of worthlessness or guilt, impaired thinking, poor concentration, inability to enjoy pleasurable activities, suicidal thoughts.
This childhood depression can be determined by collecting history of child’s illness in order to detect the etiological factor of childhood depression, physical assessment of child.
Children with depression are more prone to have anxiety and substance abuse disorders and also more prone to develop suicidal tendency. Depression in children can be managed by drug therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. In drug therapy, anti-depressants i.e. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs e.g. Sertaline, Fluoxetine etc.) are given whereas cognitive behavioral therapy helps the child to manage anxiety and negative thoughts by teaching them about coping strategies and various relaxation techniques.
Depression in children can be prevented by improving mental health of the children by educating them to take well-balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep and also encouraging parents to provide their children safe and supportive environment at home.
