All individuals may become depressed at some point in time. However, when feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child's ability to work, it is termed as depression.

Children and teenagers are as prone as adults to suffer from depression. At any given point in time, about 5% of children in a population suffer from depression.

Warning signs of depression:-

Depressed children may behave differently as compared to depressed adults. Help should be seeked if following signs persist-

- Frequent sadness and crying
- Feeling of hopelessness
- Disinterested in surrounding with persistent boredom
- Low energy and easy fatigability
- Avoids friends and social contact
- Poor self esteem
- Frequent complaints of aches in the body
- Falling grades and poor performance in school
- Inability to concentrate
- Increased / Decreased appetite
- Increased / Decreased sleep.
- Runs away from home
- Thoughts of suicide
- May abuse alcohol or drugs to feel better.

Children under stress and those having ADHD, conduct disorders and learning disabilities are more prove to depression. Depression may also run in families. Troublesome behavior is a sign of depression and parents may not realize it as the teenager may not appear sad.

Early diagnosis and treatment is very essential. Parents should take professional help from a child psychiatrist. Treatment may include both individual and family therapy and also may include antidepressant medications.

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Last updated 17-03-2001