Signs of Depression in Children and How to Help | Wales Psychiatry Centre
Depression is among the most common mental health disorders affecting children and adults. It can be observed in children as young as 4-5. About 6% of children in the total population suffer from depression at some point in their life. Children who are under stress, who have lost something, or who have conducted learning (dyslexia) or anxiety difficulties are more likely to develop depression. Additionally, depression is more prevalent in boys and tends to run in families.
To provide readers with a better understanding of the various signs and symptoms of depression and its effective treatment, Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, a leading child psychiatrist at Wales Psychiatry Centre, widely known for offering the best Children’s Depression Treatment in Wales, has explained the same in this blog. Read on for more information.
What are the Causes of Depression?
Depression can be caused due to several factors. These include:
- A genetic predisposition
- Traumatic events of life
- Temperament issues.
Depressed children can exhibit low self-esteem, and can be caused by peer relationships. Social exclusion and bullying can be important factors. Children frequently respond to what they observe. Therefore, it would seem that being sporty, athletic, and able to run quickly is significantly more socially important than being nice, patient, and moral. Children can face difficulty in interpreting these expressions.
What are the Signs of Depression in Children?
Signs of depression in children below the age of 12 and younger include the following:
- Less interest in favorite activities
- Difficulty in maintaining relationships
- Extreme sensitivity to failure
- Not attending school regularly or a sudden decline in grades
- Frequent crying or sadness
- Low energy
- Low self-esteem
- Hopelessness
- Increased irritability
- Increased severity of tantrums for young children
- A major change in sleeping patterns
- Worries about death
- Social isolation
- Thinking about running away from home
- Social isolation
- Thoughts of suicide
- Trouble concentrating.
Signs of Depression in Teens
Signs of depression in adolescents between the age of 13-18 includes all of the above plus the following:
- Increased interest in topics related to death
- Excessive feelings of guilt
- Feeling of self-hatred
- Increased risk-taking behavior
- Substance use
- Short temper
- Trouble in making decisions.
How is Depression Treated at Wales Psychiatry Centre?
Children’s Depression Treatment in Wales offered at Wales Psychiatry Centre is multimodal and includes the use of social interventions, pharmacology, and psychological interventions. Mild to moderate depression may react well to psychosocial therapies such as lifestyle changes, exercise, coping methods, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
In the case of severe depression, antidepressants can be used. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are the first-line treatment choice. Other drugs are also available, which can be discussed with the psychiatrist during the appointment.
If someone’s child has the symptoms discussed above, one can consult Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, a leading child psychiatrist at Wales Psychiatry Centre, for effective treatment. Book an appointment today.
