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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)
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