Question 1

depression in children common?

Accepted Answer

No But Not Rare: Depression in childhood, at least of a severity that requires treatment, is not common (maybe 3-5% of the population). At the same time, this becomes a pretty large numbr when you start looking at groups of children. Also, depression is much more common among certain groups of kids - those with chronic medical illness, or children who have been abused.

Question 2

how can u treat depression in children?

Accepted Answer

Child depression: Depending on severity, following evaluation by a child psychiatrist, psychotherapy, both individual and family, group therapy, and mexications if deemed necessary.

Question 3

how common is depression in children under age 13 years?

Accepted Answer

Depression: Affects 2% of prepubertal children, a very sad statistic.

Question 4

what are the symptoms of clinical depression in children?

Accepted Answer

Pretty much the: Same as adults: low mood, crying spells, loss of interest, low energy, etc.  For more, check out the american academy of child and adolescent psychiatry.

Question 5

is the lack of attention from parents a definite cause of depression in children, or is that not important?

Accepted Answer

Parents are good: Parental involvement in a child's life is very important to his/her overall being, growth as an individual, and general self-esteem. Lack of attention, or involvement may play prominent role in depression.

Question 6

is depression common in children and teens?

Accepted Answer

Yes: http://www.childstats.gov/americaschildren/health4.asp
http://www.Nimh.Nih.Gov/statistics/1mdd_child.Shtml. Sx might differ in children and adolescents. In younger children depression might manifest as somatic complaints (headaches, tummy aches, school- and separation anxiety). In adolesecents, it's more complicated, given their developmental stages (more behavioral acting out, irritability).

Question 7

can children have depression?

Accepted Answer

Yes: children can experience depression.   If you are concerned that your child is depressed, ask your pediatrician for a referral to a child psychologist.

Question 8

how susceptible are children to depression?

Accepted Answer

See below: If we look at a 12-month period, the prevalence of depression is about 1% for pre-pubertal children and around 3% for post-pubertal adolescents. This is from a national guideline from the uk.

More information at:
http://www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/pubmedhealth/pmh0015779/.

Question 9

can depression make you say things you dont mean to adults or children?

Accepted Answer

Depression: Yes, depression/anger/anxiety can make us all say things we don't mean. Have you yet considered psychotherapy to address what ails you? Consult with a reputable psychotherapist soon.

Question 10

what do you think, could having a history of minor depression stop you from being able to work with children?

Accepted Answer

No: A history of mild depression should not adversely affect your ability to work with children.  With a history of depression, it is important to be able to recognize the early signs of it shall it re-surface.. This way you will be able to get prompt treatment.

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Depression in children

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Depression in children common?

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How can u treat depression in children?

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How common is depression in children under age 13 years?

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What are the symptoms of clinical depression in children?

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Is the lack of attention from parents a definite cause of depression in children, or is that not important?

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Is depression common in children and teens?

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Can children have depression?

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How susceptible are children to depression?

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Can depression make you say things you dont mean to adults or children?

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What do you think, could having a history of minor depression stop you from being able to work with children?

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