The Depressed Child
Not only adults become depressed. Children and teenagers also may have depression, as
well. The good news is that depression is a treatable illness. Depression is defined as an
illness when the feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child or adolescent’s
ability to function.
About 5 percent of children and adolescents in the general population suffer from
depression at any given point in time. Children under stress, who experience loss, or who
have attentional, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression.
Depression also tends to run in families.
The behavior of depressed children and teenagers may differ from the behavior of
depressed adults. Child and adolescent psychiatrists advise parents to be aware of signs of
depression in their youngsters.
If one or more of these signs of depression persist, parents should seek help:
• Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
• Decreased interest in activities; or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
• Hopelessness
• Persistent boredom; low energy
• Social isolation, poor communication
• Low self-esteem and guilt
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
• Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
• Difficulty with relationships
• Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches
• Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
• Poor concentration
• A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
• Talk of or efforts to run away from home
• Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior
A child who used to play often with friends may now spend most of the time alone and
without interests. Things that were once fun now bring little joy to the depressed child.
Children and adolescents who are depressed may say they want to be dead or may talk
about suicide. Depressed children and adolescents are at increased risk for committing
suicide. Depressed adolescents may abuse alcohol or other drugs as a way of trying to
feel better. The Depressed Child, “Facts for Families,” No. 4 (5/08)
Children and adolescents who cause trouble at home or at school may also be suffering
from depression. Because the youngster may not always seem sad, parents and teachers
may not realize that troublesome behavior is a sign of depression. When asked directly,
these children can sometimes state they are unhappy or sad.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for depressed children. Depression is a real
illness that requires professional help. Comprehensive treatment often includes both
individual and family therapy. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and
interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) are forms of individual therapy shown to be effective
in treating depression. Treatment may also include the use of antidepressant medication.
For help, parents should ask their physician to refer them to a qualified mental health
professional, who can diagnose and treat depression in children and teenagers.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
Not only adults become depressed. Children and teenagers also may have depression, as
well. The good news is that depression is a treatable illness. Depression is defined as an
illness when the feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child or adolescent’s
ability to function.
About 5 percent of children and adolescents in the general population suffer from
depression at any given point in time. Children under stress, who experience loss, or who
have attentional, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression.
Depression also tends to run in families.
The behavior of depressed children and teenagers may differ from the behavior of
depressed adults. Child and adolescent psychiatrists advise parents to be aware of signs of
depression in their youngsters.
If one or more of these signs of depression persist, parents should seek help:
• Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
• Decreased interest in activities; or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
• Hopelessness
• Persistent boredom; low energy
• Social isolation, poor communication
• Low self-esteem and guilt
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
• Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
• Difficulty with relationships
• Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches
• Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
• Poor concentration
• A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
• Talk of or efforts to run away from home
• Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior
A child who used to play often with friends may now spend most of the time alone and
without interests. Things that were once fun now bring little joy to the depressed child.
Children and adolescents who are depressed may say they want to be dead or may talk
about suicide. Depressed children and adolescents are at increased risk for committing
suicide. Depressed adolescents may abuse alcohol or other drugs as a way of trying to
feel better. The Depressed Child, “Facts for Families,” No. 4 (5/08)
Children and adolescents who cause trouble at home or at school may also be suffering
from depression. Because the youngster may not always seem sad, parents and teachers
may not realize that troublesome behavior is a sign of depression. When asked directly,
these children can sometimes state they are unhappy or sad.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for depressed children. Depression is a real
illness that requires professional help. Comprehensive treatment often includes both
individual and family therapy. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and
interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) are forms of individual therapy shown to be effective
in treating depression. Treatment may also include the use of antidepressant medication.
For help, parents should ask their physician to refer them to a qualified mental health
professional, who can diagnose and treat depression in children and teenagers.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013