Childhood Depressive Disorder

The diagnostic criteria and key defining features of major depressive disorder in children are the same as they are for adults. However, recognition and diagnosis of the disorder may be more difficult in youth for several reasons. The way symptoms are expressed varies with the developmental stage of the youngster. In addition, children and young adolescents with depression may have difficulty in properly identifying and describing their internal emotional or mood states. For example, instead of communicating how bad they feel, they may act out and be irritable toward others, which may be interpreted simply as misbehavior or disobedience.

Signs That May Be Associated with Depression in Children

• Frequent vague, non-specific physical complaints such as headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or tiredness
• Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
• Talk of or efforts to run away from home
• Outbursts of shouting, complaining, unexplained irritability, or crying
• Being bored
• Lack of interest in playing with friends
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Social isolation, poor communication
• Fear of death
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
• Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
• Reckless behavior
• Difficulty with relationships

While the recovery rate from a single episode of major depression in children and adolescents is quite high, episodes are likely to recur. In addition, youth with dysthymic disorder are at risk for developing major depression. Prompt identification and treatment of depression can reduce its duration and severity and associated functional impairment.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health, Depression in Children and Adolescents

Related Resources:

Coping with Children's Depression
Strategies for parents to cope with children's depression and improve well-being at home and school.

Childhood Depression Links
Additional resources for parents of children with depressive disorder.

About Depression
A complete site on the About Network from Nancy Schimelpfening.

Elsewhere on the Web:

DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria - Major Depressive Episode
What the professionals use to diagnose this disorder.

DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria - Dysthymic Disorder
What the professionals use to diagnose this disorder.

DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria - Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
What the professionals use to diagnose this disorder.