Depression in Children - Mental Health Disorders

Depression in Children

The causes of depression in children are complex. Some may inherit a biological predisposition, and depressed children often live with a depressed parent, usually their mother. Negative life events, such as abuse, lack of secure relationships, parental divorce, a close relative's death, or a major financial setback for the family can lead to deep feelings of helplessness and hopelessness in the child.

Preschoolers who are depressed may have trouble separating from their parents, appear hyperactive, and show learning disabilities. In the elementary grades depressed children commonly complain about a host of physical and emotional hurts. They may be self-deprecating or overly sensitive, and have trouble forming relationships with their peers. Some may have difficulty getting up in the morning and plead to stay home from school; at night they may become obstinate. Depressed children may also evidence a loss of appetite or binge eat. Some may have hallucinations or obsessions about death, or experience feelings of guilt, hopelessness, failure, humiliation, or worthlessness.