Unfortunately, not all parents know.

Childhood depression is especially insidious, because many of its signs are often mistaken for capriciousness, spoiledness, an age crisis in children, and even laziness. How to understand that a child has depression and help him in time - read in our material.

Main symptoms of depression

A decrease in the tone of the body, a desire to move away from people, inhibited reactions, a feeling of melancholy and sadness, a weakening of interests - these are the main signs of the disease.

Often these symptoms are mild in children, besides, kids can not always tell about their feelings and sensations.

Depression in a child gives a deterioration in health. Most often this can be:

• dizziness;
• sleep disturbance;
• nausea;
• weakness;
• lethargy;

Often, adults turn to doctors with a child, thinking that the cause of ailments is health problems . But doctors don't find any disease internal organs and violations of body systems, since it's all about depression which is difficult to diagnose.

Causes of Depression in Children

: “In most cases, mental disorders in children cannot appear just like that. They are transmitted genetically, appear as a result of improper upbringing or negative impact the surrounding world."

Among the most frequently encountered causes of depression experts distinguish the following:

• (study is not given,);
• problems in relationships with peers ((, rejection, quarrel, loss of a friend, personal problems);
• difficulties in (misunderstanding, lack of warmth, quarrels of parents,);
• weather change (lack of sunlight and vitamins);
• exposure to new technologies (excessive time at the TV screen, computer, smartphone, and uncontrolled information from the Internet);
• (the need to be popular, slim, rich, fashionable, etc.).

Signs of depression in children of different ages

As in adults, children have temporary, chronic and, and in different ages it manifests itself in different ways:

• age 1-3 years: decreased appetite, weight, the child becomes capricious, tearful, slow;
• age 3-6 years: decreased activity and interest in others, sadness, mean facial expressions, senile gait;
• : melancholy, indifference, isolation, lack of energy, interest in games with peers, schoolwork;
• age 10-14 years: difficulties with memorizing and comprehending educational material, slowness, awkwardness, clumsiness, lethargy, rejection of sections and circles;
• age 15-17 years: low self-esteem, self-doubt, loss of interest in previously favorite activities, the appearance of guilt, hopelessness, unwillingness to communicate, frequent talk about illness or death, hostility and aggressiveness.

Psychologist Ilona Senevskaya tells: “A depressed child cries for any reason: a remark, encouragement, resentment, and even a joyful event. Usually, children consider their bad mood to be the fault of their parents. And with chronic depression, getting older, they can defiantly threaten to commit suicide.

Treating Depression in Children

Depression does not go away on its own, neither in adults nor in children. Its a must need to be treated. And the sooner depression is recognized, the sooner the child will return to normal.

If you notice signs of depression in your child, consult a psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist. The specialist will help to identify the cause of the depression and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

It doesn’t have to be medication, children with depression are usually treated with psychotherapy:

• play therapy relaxes, distracts, reflects internal problems;
• with art therapy it will be easier to find the cause of depression;
• with the help of playing with dolls, the child will live his problem situations;
• creativity will help to open up;
• a full 10-hour sleep is required in a calm environment, in the dark;
• daily outdoor walks
• physical activity.

If the depression turned into chronic stage The child may be treated with antidepressants.

In order for the child to recover as soon as possible, it is important for parents:

• give him as much attention as possible
• sympathize
• empathize,
• distract from dark thoughts,
• to be with him more often among people,
• talk more so that he does not keep feelings in himself.

And yet - according to Canadian researchers.

Reading 6 min. Views 1.2k. Published on 08.09.2018

It is generally accepted that depression is the lot of adults. But modern child lives in constant information flow, often experiencing stress, this is especially true for younger students and adolescents. Today we will talk about why depression occurs in children, how to recognize warning signs in a timely manner, and what to do in such situations.

Depression in children under 3 years of age

Childhood depression does not always occur through the fault of parents, psycho-emotional pathologies are rapidly getting younger, so it is almost impossible to raise a child with an absolutely healthy nervous system and psyche.

The problem can occur at any age, often the pathology is diagnosed in children under 3 years old, but most often depressive states are manifested in younger schoolchildren and adolescents.

Causes of psychoemotional disorders in young children:

• hypoxia and asphyxia, intrauterine infectious pathologies, difficult childbirth;
• severe illness at an early age;
• genetic factor psycho-emotional disorders are inherited almost always;
• loss of a sense of security and security when the emotional connection with the mother is broken;
• aggression, domestic violence, parental alcohol addiction- the fear of loud sounds is innate, so constant scandals negatively affect the physical, mental and emotional development baby.

In babies, depression manifests itself in the form of poor appetite, frequent bouts of vomiting, the baby is poorly or not gaining weight at all, there is lethargy, increased excitability

If your child is often sick, you endlessly go to different doctors, but there is no sense, then the reasons most likely lie in problems with the psyche and nervous system.

Depression in preschoolers - causes and symptoms

As the child grows older, his psyche becomes more complicated, its normal functioning is influenced by many factors - the atmosphere in the family, the first experience of socialization, the rapid development of speech and thinking.

At the age of 3-6, depressive states manifest themselves not only through somatic signs, but also mood swings are observed, the child still cannot understand what is happening to him, but attentive parents will notice violations.

Symptoms of depression in preschoolers:

• lethargy, apathy, the child does not show interest in games and favorite activities;
• the desire to be alone;
• the child often complains of boredom, cries for no apparent reason;
• various fears and phobias appear;
• facial expressions become mean, the voice is quiet, the baby walks hunched over.

Of the somatic manifestations, dyspeptic disorders most often occur - diarrhea, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, causeless fever, muscle aches, headache.

Depressive states in younger students

When a child enters school, his social and educational loads increase, he needs to learn how to behave correctly with peers and teachers, set goals correctly, be able to plan time and follow the rules. At the same time, the psyche is not yet fully formed, fatigue and constant stress negatively affect emotional condition.

Problems and conflicts with classmates and teachers, study loads are added to the main causes of depression, biological and family, at the age of 7-12 years, the next stage of personality formation takes place, the child tries to be an adult and independent, but this does not always work out, which provokes development psychoemotional disorders.

But there are also small pluses, at this age children can already explain their feelings in words, they begin to complain of sadness, longing, apathy, endless fatigue.

Children under 10-12 years old are not able to describe and understand their own mood, which greatly complicates diagnosis at an early age. In preschoolers and younger schoolchildren, psychoemotional disorders manifest themselves in the form of somatic symptoms, physical ailments.

Symptoms of depression in younger students:

• decrease or complete lack of interest in studies, hobbies, entertainment;
• avoiding contact with peers, parents;
• the child reacts sharply to any comments, criticism;
• distraction, deterioration of memory and attention - all this negatively affects learning, which only aggravates the situation;
• unreasonable fits of anger, irascibility, irritability - these symptoms appear at the age of 10-12.

Depression is also accompanied by physical pathologies - heart and headache, discomfort in the stomach, often at this age vegetovascular dystonia develops.

Teenage depression

Puberty is a “wonderful” time for both parents and teenagers. A hormonal surge exacerbates all psycho-emotional problems. After 12 years, latent depressions develop , as the child becomes withdrawn, he often resorts to alcohol, narcotic substances to calm down, and starts smoking.

Causes of depression:

• failures in relations with the opposite sex;
• frequent conflicts with peers, as teenagers are constantly trying to prove that they are leaders;
• internal conflicts and contradictions;
• dissatisfaction with one's own appearance;
• passion for computer games, the flow of unnecessary information from the Internet;
• the workload at school is increasing, the question of the future profession is becoming more and more frequent.

Among the reasons for the development of depressive states in adolescents, family problems fade into the background, relationships with peers occupy a leading position - the authority of peers far exceeds that of parents.

The manifestation of psycho-emotional disorders is in many ways similar to the symptoms of depression in younger students, but mood swings appear more often, thoughts of death and suicide attempts are often added.

Treatment Methods

It is impossible to cope with childhood or teenage depression on your own, do not hesitate to seek help from a pediatric neurologist, psychologist or psychotherapist - the consequences of neglected depressive states are much worse than a visit to a specialist.

Treatment is carried out only complex, taking into account the age of the patient, the severity of the pathology.

How to treat depression

1. Medical therapy. Do not try to pick up medicines on your own on the advice of relatives and friends, the list of antidepressants is long, all drugs have contraindications, side effects are often addictive. Therefore, only a doctor should prescribe them.
2. Reflexology, physiotherapy - these methods are considered auxiliary, but in the early stages of the development of depressive conditions, they help a lot.
3. Psychotherapy. Sessions are carried out with children over 3 years old, for adolescents this method of treatment is very important. There are many modern species correction of psycho-emotional disorders - art therapy, treatment with color and music, dance therapy, meditation, specialists resort to hypnosis in extreme cases.

For the treatment to be successful, it is necessary to normalize the daily routine - the child must get enough sleep, eat properly and balanced, move more. In the correct form, you need to limit your time in social networks, computer games.

Show sincere interest in the child's inclinations - what he reads, listens to, watches, and do not rush to criticize, each generation has its own idols, you need to come to terms with this and try to understand.

Know how to compromise, take into account the opinion of the child, do not get hysterical if a teenager decides to become an actor or musician, and not get a prestigious and necessary, from your point of view, profession.

Conclusion

Being parents is a hard, round-the-clock work, children almost constantly get out of one age crisis to plunge into another. difficult period. Love, attention, moderate care, a good relationship in the family, joint walks and rest - all this will help you more easily endure or completely avoid depressive states in a child, and save your own nerves.

Tell us in the comments if you had to deal with childhood or teenage depression, which helped you cope with an unpleasant problem.

Most doctors today agree that depression can occur at any age from birth. For example, in infants between 6 and 11 months of age, who are completely separated from their mothers and experience emotional deficits, depression manifests itself in insomnia, decreased appetite or refusal to eat, a tendency to colds and eczema. If this condition lasts more than 3 months, the changes become irreversible and lead to gross developmental disorders up to idiocy.
In children under 4 years of age, depression can be caused by any negativity associated with the mother - separation from the mother (when placed in a child's home, hospital, nursery), depression in the mother, her psychosis, emotional isolation. From the age of 4, dysfunctional relationships in the family, the birth of a brother or sister, and difficulties in kindergarten begin to influence the child's psyche as much as the mother does. Even if the child has not been initiated into the causes and facts of scandals occurring in the family, the divorce of parents, serious illnesses and the death of loved ones, he sensitively captures the depressive moods of his mother.

As in adults, depression in a child occurs when a strong collision with negative reality. When deep inner needs - to be loved, to be safe, to express yourself - are hindered against the world, as if against a wall. Child psychiatrists also call it a "bump". Children with a weakened nervous system are especially susceptible to depression. Children who have alcoholics or relatives with mental illness in the family. Those whose mothers suffered severe toxicosis during pregnancy were very worried, malnourished, there was a threat of miscarriage. Also weaken nervous system birth injuries, asphyxia, head injuries, infectious and simply serious diseases (flu, tonsillitis, dysentery, measles, whooping cough, etc.)

An interesting fact is that the vast majority of childhood depressions are latent - when symptoms that mimic any physical illness come to the fore. This happens to adults too, but much less frequently. Adult depression is more often expressed in general depression, melancholy, bad mood and lack of any desires. And in children, in more than 60% of cases, something starts to hurt. Why is this happening? The fact is that the child's brain is not fully formed, emotional reactions are of the type of "short circuits". The child does not yet know how to be aware of his own feelings and emotions, therefore emotions, without going through the stage of analysis, are instantly expressed through the already developed systems of the body - propulsion system, the digestive system, etc. At the forefront of hidden depressions in children are vegetative disorders - sleep disturbances, appetite, fever, complaints of pain in different parts of the body, similar to a particular disease ("stomach hurts"). Very often, parents, educators and pediatricians confuse these symptoms with real diseases. For example, pain, cramps and burning sensation in the stomach are called gastritis, nervous cough and shortness of breath are classified as asthma, etc. But if after all the examinations it turns out that the clinical indicators are normal, then it is worth thinking about other reasons for the terrible diagnoses.

It is possible to distinguish latent depression from another disease. Changes appearance, emotional reactions and character of the child. In appearance, he becomes pale, downcast, depressed, sad and restless look. There is no animation when meeting with familiar people (caregivers, parents, friends), there is no interest in toys and games. The character changes to polar (sociable and outdoor child becomes closed; soft and kind - angry and aggressive, etc.) The child does not sleep well (he falls asleep for a long time, often wakes up, has nightmares, walks like a lunatic) The pain that the child complains about does not go away after taking medication, but disappears with positive emotions and switching to interesting objects and phenomena. The child has fears and anxiety for his health, fears of death. In the mornings, the child is lethargic and lethargic; in the evenings, fears and complaints of pain in the body grow.

Treatment of latent depressions requires, first of all, consultation of a child psychotherapist. Doctors in most cases treat with antidepressants, sleep prolongation and psychotherapy. At home, you can also help your child overcome depression:
1. Increase the time of sleep and rest, reduce the number of activities and information (all this will reduce brain tension);
2. Eliminate what traumatizes the child - if it is, for example, a strong rejection of the teacher and kindergarten lasting more than 3 months, you should not wait for the child to get used to it, it is better to leave him at home for a while and think about changing the group;
3. Switch the child's consciousness to other objects;
4. Play games and tell fairy tales, in the content of which there is an opportunity to live a traumatic situation for a child and thus change his attitude towards it;
5. Behave calmly. The more parents show their concern about the child's condition, the sooner the child subconsciously fixes on certain symptoms and can subsequently manipulate them.

Children's latent depression is especially dangerous because it can slow down the mental and social development baby, unnoticed by parents and doctors. Therefore, it is so important to sensitively and timely notice changes in the character and reactions of the baby.

Experts say that in modern world children are increasingly experiencing manifestations of such a serious illness as depression in children - a mental affective disorder characterized by deterioration in well-being, bad mood in the presence of motor retardation, changes in motivation and general negative thinking. Diagnosis of the disease is carried out using the following methods: clinical conversation, interviewing parents, projective tests. Treatment is accompanied by psychotherapy, social rehabilitation with the use of medications.

Causes

The main causes of depression in children are:

• birth trauma, pathology during pregnancy and childbirth;
• hereditary predisposition (the presence of the disease in close relatives);
• pathology in family relationships. An important factor in the development of a mentally healthy child is conflict-free relationships in a complete family. But every family often has its own problems. Some children grow up in families where the parents are divorced. Abuse of alcohol, drug use by parents can also provoke the development of this disease. Wrong parenting style, such as overprotective parenting, also negatively affects the normal development of the child's psyche and makes him vulnerable to depression. The child cannot do without constant support from loved ones;
• problems in early socialization. Relationships in kindergarten and at school with peers also affect the emotional state. Stress and mental trauma that a child receives during school years often cause depression in children and later in adolescents.

Acute depressive reactions (death of a pet, serious illness of close relatives, divorce of parents, quarrel with peers, etc.) can provoke depression in children.

The medical examination revealed no pathology.

Other factors

• Often a change of residence leads to a mental disorder. The little man breaks up with his friends, the established social circle is destroyed. Communication with peers is not enough, because it takes time to make new friends.
• Difficulties associated with learning. The demands of parents to obey the instructions of teachers, in the absence of a desire to attend school, as well as the inability to cope with the curriculum, deform the emotional state of the child.
• Passion for electronic gadgets. It is often impossible to pull modern children away from a smartphone or other gadget; this negatively affects the formation of adolescents' ability to “live” communication. At the same time, correspondence in chat is becoming a favorite form of interaction for children. The child becomes more vulnerable to negative events, adapts worse to external conditions.

Adolescence is the most favorable period for the onset of a depressive disorder.

Symptoms of depression in adolescents are similar to those in adults. Due to an excess of hormones, growing children become more vulnerable. In their environment, leaders appear who establish their own, sometimes cruel, rules for relationships in the group. Read more about teen depression

Symptoms

Depression in children is usually a slowly developing (if not due to acute depressive reactions) process that can last from a few weeks to a month or more.
It is characterized by the following symptoms:

• loss of interest in life, lethargy, gloom, irritability, lack of vitality;
• unreasonable decrease or increase in appetite;
• manifestations of insomnia, drowsiness, the presence of nightmares;
• negative attitude towards learning and school;
• manifestation of hostility to relatives;
• desire for isolation, unwillingness to communicate with peers;
• feelings of inferiority or guilt;
• possible thoughts of suicide.

At 2, 3 years old

In 2-3-year-old children, it is expressed in a sharp weight loss of the baby, a delay for several months in the emotional, sensorimotor and speech development, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite. In the absence of a mother, the baby "expresses protest" by crying, bouts of causeless crying, not wanting to play. The search for a mother among adults is expressed in the requirement for increased attention (the baby needs to be comforted and praised). At an earlier age - in defiantly ignoring the approaching adult (after all, this is not a mother). Can make monotonous obsessive movements, move aimlessly "from corner to corner".

At 4 years old, 5 years old

Children with severe depression between the ages of 4 and 5 have problems with the digestive system, cardiovascular system, sleep and appetite disorders, inhibited emotional reactions. Present: mean facial expressions, absent-mindedness, tearfulness, lethargy, loss of cheerfulness and interest in games with peers, physical malaise. The absence of manifestations of positive emotions is expressed in the absence of drawings and crafts, or dark blurry forms in them.

At 6, 7 years old

Children school age(6-7 years old) express such feelings as despondency, hopelessness, anxiety. Their depression is accompanied by a gloomy look, isolation, sadness, they lose interest in games that they used to play with pleasure. In schoolchildren, as a rule, one can observe a decrease in educational activity, a loss of sociability, activity, friendliness. There are complaints of fatigue, inability to concentrate on the task, a tendency to loneliness.

At 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 years old

Children 7, 8, 9 and 10, 11 years old are prone to such depressive symptoms: interest in learning and games disappears, they become withdrawn, attention is disturbed. With depression, somatic disorders can occur: enuresis, decreased or increased appetite, obesity, constipation. Children suffer from nightmares at night.

Attention of parents

How to get a child out of a state of early depression? First of all, you need to establish contact with your bloodline, begin to be interested in his life, events at school. It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of positive moments and prospects for the future. You need to know your child's social circle, find interesting activities for him after school.

Examination and treatment

If you find the above symptoms in your child, to diagnose the disease and make a diagnosis, you must definitely contact a psychologist. You can get first psychological help from a specialist - a psychologist at the link in our group

Psychologist.

Less than three decades ago, depression was seen as the predominant disorder in adults: children were considered too immature to develop depressive disorders, and teenage low moods were seen as part of the "normal" teenage mood swings. Depression in children and adolescent depression are very real.

Depression in adolescents is associated with a number of adverse causes, including social and educational impairments, as well as physical and mental health problems. While studies on the course and correlations of depression have found important similarities in the development of signs of depression in adolescents, they have also found age-related variation. As a result, researchers continue to assess the extent to which child, adolescent, and adult depression reflects the same underlying condition. This review provides a brief introduction to the latest findings in these areas.

Only in the last two decades has depression in children begun to be taken very seriously. A depressed child may pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or worry that the parent may die. Older children may be offended, get into trouble at school, be angry, rude, and feel misunderstood.

Since normal behavior varies from one age to another, it is difficult to determine if a child is going through a temporary "phase" or is suffering from depression. Sometimes parents start to worry about how the child's behavior has changed, or the teacher says that "your child has changed, he is not himself." In such a case, if the pediatrician rules out physical symptoms, he is likely to suggest that the child should be evaluated by another specialist, preferably a psychiatrist who specializes in treating children.

One in seven teenagers experience depression every year. Depression is a treatable disease and not just a couple sad days. Teenage depression is associated with persistent feelings of sadness or irritability that prevent a child or teenager from functioning.

Children who are stressed by the loss loved one, or who have difficulty with attention, learning, behavior problems, or have an anxiety disorder, are at higher risk of depression. Wide use social networks also associated with an increased risk of depression. Depression also tends to run in families, especially when the family is united by some common negative event. It doesn't have to be the loss of a loved one. For example, in a family there is an alcoholic or a tyrant-psychopath.

Depressed children and adolescents may behave differently than depressed adults. Child and adolescent psychiatrists advise parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression in their adolescents and younger children.

What teens and their parents need to know about depression. If one or more of these signs of depression persist, seek help.

Signs of Depression in Teenagers

• Frequent sadness, tearfulness and directly crying;
• Decreased interest in favorite activities;
• Hopelessness;
• Persistent boredom; little energy;
• Social isolation from friends and family;
• Low self-esteem and guilt;
• Extreme sensitivity to failure;
• Increased irritability, anger, or hostility;
• Difficulty with relationships;
• Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches;
• School truancy or poor academic performance;
• Poor concentration;
• Major changes in eating and/or sleep;
• Talk about running away or actually trying to run away from home;
• Suicidal talk or self-harming behavior (selfharm).

A child who often played with friends may now spend most of their time alone and have no interests. Things that were once fun and attractive bring little joy to the depressed child. Children and adolescents who are depressed may talk about wanting to die or may talk directly about suicide. They are at increased risk of suicide. It is important to understand what lies behind this: a desire to attract attention or there are real fears for the life of this child. They can get carried away with these ideas and "try" without fully understanding the consequences. Depressed teens may start using alcohol or drugs as a way to alleviate their condition and feel better.

Children and teens who cause problems at home or at school may also suffer from depression. Because the child may not always appear sad, parents and teachers may not realize that unpleasant behavior is a sign of depression. When asked directly, these children may admit that they are unhappy or sad.

Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for children with depression. Depression is a real illness that requires professional help. Complex treatment often includes both individual and family therapy. Family therapy is necessary and mandatory in my opinion. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) are forms of individual therapy that are highly effective in treating depression. Treatment may also include the use of antidepressants. Parents should ask their pediatrician to refer them to a qualified mental health professional who can diagnose and treat depression in children and adolescents. If depression is observed in a child of primary school age or a preschooler, only family psychotherapy, more precisely, without it, nowhere, this is the basis. As a rule, this is a lesson personally with the child and the whole family and in different variations, and even without a child at all. The child suffers from the diseases of the parents.

Studies of depressed schoolchildren have found about two-thirds of young people with depression who have at least one comorbid mental disorder, and more than 10% show two or more (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] or conduct disorder, or something else) . In preschool studies, comorbidity rates are even higher, with three out of every four depressed preschoolers.

Treatment and prevention of depression in young people

Most of the treatments for childhood depression were first developed for adults and subsequently used in young people. Treatments for depression in preschoolers are currently being evaluated, focusing on three main evidence-based treatments for depression in older children and adolescents: pharmacotherapy with fluoxetine or another serotonin reuptake inhibitor; cognitive and behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Other factors influencing treatment planning will include the presence of comorbidities and maternal mental health. Surprisingly, there is little evidence on how to treat comorbidity in depression – is it better to treat depression or a comorbid condition, or both, and under what circumstances? Clinicians usually make individual decisions by considering first the condition that is more chronic or appears to be the most serious. In terms of maternal mental health, evidence suggests that treating maternal depression may help alleviate depression in offspring. The results of a study of mothers with depression who received treatment showed that remission of maternal depression was associated with a significant improvement in depression in children.

Depression in boys and girls. Differences

Depression has a different effect on the brain activity of male and female patients in certain areas of the brain. The discovery of gender-specific effects on brain activity shows that teenage girls and teenage boys may experience depression differently. Men and women seem to suffer from depression differently, and this is especially noticeable in teenagers. At the age of 15, girls are twice as likely to suffer from depression as boys. There are various possible reasons this, including problems with the perception of their changing body, hormonal fluctuations and genetic factors where girls are more at risk of inheriting depression. Differences between the sexes also affect how the disorder manifests itself and its consequences. Men are more likely to suffer from persistent depression, while in women, depression tends to be more episodic. Compared to women, depressed men are also more likely to suffer the consequences of depression, such as substance abuse and suicide. But female and, accordingly, girlish depression is still more common.

Depression in newborns

It's not what you thought. Its other name is "cerebral depression of the newborn" and it refers to diseases that occur even in the perinatal period. Depression here means asphyxia in newborns, manifestations of respiratory, circulatory and central nervous system depression.

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