Identifying Depression in Children & Adolescents:
A case of the Moodies or More?
by Doris E. Shafombabi,Ph.D.

Health Article Index

14 Tips to Keeping Your Mind Sharp as We Age Be Sweet to Your Feet if You Have Diabetes Nine In 10 U.S. Adults Get Too Much Sodium Every Day Autism & Learning Disorders The Therapeutic Benefits of Pets Coping with Grief and Loss Migraine Headaches Bipolar Disorder Summer Heat Healthy Dining Finder Sleep Apnea Lactose Intolerance Kick-Start Your Way to Livin' Healthy with Fitness You don't have to be French or white to be thin The Benefits of Juicing A Step in the Right Direction: Lose Weight and Lower Your Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Fitness at 50+: Five Barriers You Can Beat

Health Article Index

Though previously considered an adult health problem, depression affects many young people today. An estimate provided by the Mayo Clinic indicated that 1 in every 33 children, and 1 out of every 8 adolescents are victims of depression. Growing up in the 21st century is much more difficult than it was in the past. A definition of depressions should be offered to put things in proper perspective:

Depression can be defined as a persistent experience of sad or irritable mood as well as loss of the ability to experience pleasure in nearly all activities in life. Major Depressive Disorder, sometimes called clinical depression, is different from having a bad day or a bad week. It is different from sadness due to grieving the death of a loved one.

I have underscored the word persistent because children and teenagers may go through periods of "moodiness" related to social crises that are predictable during that developmental period. Being rejected by a member of the opposite sex or not getting picked for a team sport are common examples of things that could bring on a case of the "moodies" for your child. But a true depression doesn't go away quickly as soon as another desired activity becomes available. It is pervasive and creeps into every area of life so that the young person is not able to see anything good or hopeful about any aspect of life.

Parents and other community caregivers should be alert to significant behaviors that are not just passing moods. While there is no patented formula for determining the severity of symptoms, their are risk factors to consider. The following Risk Factors for depressions were noted in the Surgeon General's Report on Child Mental Health in 2000.

• persistent sad and irritable mood
• loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• significant change in appetite and body weight
• physical signs of agitation
• excessive lethargy and loss of energy
• feelings of worthlessness and inappropriate guilt
• difficulty concentrating
• recurrent thoughts of death or suicide (NASP 2003)

The symptoms may manifest in a number of ways, so don't expect classic withdrawal to be the only tell tale sign. There may be outbursts, shouting, unexplained irritability or crying. Children and adolescents who are depressed, often show extreme sensitivity to rejection or school failure, even if others in their peer group have failed. Change in school performance (negative) and frequent absences from school or class may also be symptoms. Initiating or increasing drug or alcohol use are also symptoms of concern. Now before you become overly concerned about things you've seen on this symptom list, be aware that the presence of one or two symptoms does not mean your child is clinically depressed. But a pattern showing many of these characteristics could be worth investigating with a mental health professional.

We believe in Privacy! We will never sell your email address. Period!

Depression is treatable just like diabetes or arthritis. The earlier the treatment is started, the better the outcome for stability and a normal life. A complete treatment plan could involve psychotherapy (talk therapy) and psychiatric medication. As the individual improves, medication may be reduced. Many African American parents are negative towards the issue of medication. Some have had bad experiences when dosage was not carefully monitored and side effects were severe. In some cases medication may not be needed. But where symptoms have become severe, such as children who have suicidal ideas, or can no longer function normally, it could be just as dangerous to refuse anti-depressive medication as it would be to refuse insulin for a diabetic child. Every parent needs to collaborate with their psychiatrist on this issue and give frequent feedback on how your child reacts to the medication. Abruptly stopping medication without checking with a doctor is not a solution. Always look for a doctor who is receptive to your questions and doesn't mind phone calls to receive feedback on the effects of medication.

We have highlighted some of the risk factors and warning signs of depression so we should also underscore the fact that there are Protective Factors that seem to build a "buffer" against depression. Protective factors often cited by mental health professionals are:

• Good communication- keeping lines of communication open between the child and adults in their lives.
• Family/community Connections- child has a sense of being accepted and connected to a unit of individuals. This gives a sense of belonging.
• Strong Verbal Problem Solving Skills-developing skills of negotiation and compromise helps to prevent extreme behaviors.
• Ability to delay gratification- is important for developing flexibility and skills of accommodation that are required in life.

To this official list of protective factors, I would add Curbing Competition. I am not advocating that our young people should not strive for excellence in what they do. However, that striving sometimes becomes obsessive and reaches fever pitch. Parents and other caregivers would do well to teach children that they are not failures if they don't place 1st in everything. Stressing giving the best effort possible is the alternative message that may protect children from feelings of depression and worthlessness.

The most important thing to remember if you feel your young person has symptoms of depression is to get help. Ignoring it will not make it go away. You would not ignore a fever that went on for even a few days. Depression is a health issue. It is treatable and there is increasingly less stigma attached to receiving treatment. Don't let pride or shame keep you from getting your child help before the situation turns into a crisis that you really cannot manage.

Doris E. Shafombabi,Ph.D.
Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Philadelphia, PA
depsych@yahoo.com

to top of page