Childhood Depression: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Childhood depression is a mental disorder that affects a growing number of children around the world. Unlike temporary episodes of sadness, depression in children influences their psychological, social and academic development.

This disorder, often underestimated, can manifest itself in subtle but persistent ways, so it is crucial to support children in facing this difficult situation and seek appropriate treatment. In this PsychologyFor article, we will explain what it consists of. childhood depression: causes, symptoms and treatment.

What is childhood depression

Childhood depression is a mood disorder in which children experience constant mood swings, intense sadness, and loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed. The clinical signs are similar to those presented by adults, although infants may manifest specific and variable symptoms depending on age.

Depression in children can manifest at any timeeven in such early stages of life as breastfeeding, but its prevalence increases over the years. It can last weeks or even months and affect the child’s cognitive and social abilities.

If so, to treat this mental illness the support of a psychologist is necessary that understands the child’s language and adapts to their needs in a personalized way.

Specifically, if you are looking for a child psychologist in Zaragoza to treat childhood depression, the center LB Psychology and Laura Berdún is a space that provides professional psychological support to help children manage their emotions and thoughts. LB Psicología works from an integrative and holistic psychotherapeutic framework, in which it offers a safe and trustworthy space adapted to the needs of each infant. Additionally, he works with parents and/or caregivers to offer a complete therapeutic approach.

Causes of childhood depression

Although the exact causes may vary from child to child, these are common factors that contribute to the development of childhood depression.

• Genetics: Infants may have a family history of depression, which predisposes them to experience this disorder.
• Neurobiological: Childhood depression may be due to alterations in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which are responsible for regulating mood.
• Neuroendocrine: Dysregulation of neuroendocrine axes, such as the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, may influence the development of depression.
• Psychological: Traumatic events, such as the loss of a loved one, mistreatment, abuse, or any significant negative experience, can trigger symptoms of depression in children.
• Relatives: Serious problems at home, such as a troubled family environment, abuse or neglect, can lead to increased susceptibility to depression.
• Social: Bullying at school, lack of social support, or being orphaned, are determining factors in the development of depression.

ymptoms of childhood depression

It is important to understand that childhood depression does not always manifest itself in the same way as in adults, and that symptoms can vary from one child to another. Below, we explain the main symptoms of this disorder:

• Excessive irritability: unlike adults, a child can be moody or frustrated by things that normally do not affect him/her.
• Sadness: You feel alone and empty for most of the day. This sadness can last weeks or months.
• Loss of interest in activities: You no longer enjoy the hobbies you once loved. Lack of enthusiasm and motivation is a major sign of childhood depression.
• Changes in diet: You may eat more than usual or lose your appetite completely, resulting in weight gain or loss.
• Sleep problems: You have trouble sleeping or you sleep more than usual and still feel tired. •
• Feeling of guilt: has negative thoughts about himself/herself. You feel worthless or guilty for things that are not your responsibility.
• Difficulty concentrating: affects the infant’s ability to concentrate, make decisions or think clearly.
• Social isolation: You prefer to be alone and avoid social situations, which increases your feeling of loneliness and isolation.
• Self-destructive behaviors: In severe cases, you may attempt to harm yourself or have suicidal thoughts that require immediate professional attention.

Treatment of childhood depression

Treatment of childhood depression is essential to help children overcome this difficult stage and regain their well-being. Below, we explain some of the clinical approaches to treat childhood depression.

Psychotherapy

There are different effective approaches to treating childhood depression. On the one hand, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) Helps children identify and modify negative thoughts. On the other hand, the interpersonal therapy It enhances children’s social skills, which helps them improve their personal relationships.

Furthermore, for the little ones, the play therapy is a tool designed to help children express and process their emotions.

family support

As parents, it is very important to understand childhood depression to support your child in the best way possible. In this sense, psychoeducation It will provide you with tools to manage the symptoms of the disorder and learn to communicate with your child in this situation.

Pharmacotherapy

The treatment of childhood depression with pharmacotherapy is based mainly on the use of antidepressants. Those most commonly prescribed in these cases are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, sertraline and escitalopram.

These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain, which improves mood and reduces depressive symptoms. If necessary, pharmacotherapy is combined with psychotherapy to offer the best possible treatment to the infant.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Childhood depression: causes, symptoms and treatment we recommend that you enter our Clinical Psychology category.