Symptoms

Because early detection and treatment of childhood depresson is so important, many parents wonder if there are any early warning signs that they can look for in their children. And, there are, in fact, three immportant warning signs which parents should be aware of.

This article explains the difference between a depressed child's behavior and a normal reaction to an everyday situation. It explains some of the most common depression symptoms and when a parent should seek evaluation from a mental health professional for their child.

Q: Are you here because you have been wondering, "Am I Depressed?" The best way to know if you may be suffering depression is to take a screening test. There is a free, confidential test provided on this site that will help you determine if you may need to see a doctor for further evaluation.

Although considered an internalizing disorder, childhood depression often encompasses externalizing behaviors. These behaviors are more likely to be displayed in boys than in girls.

Depression and sleep issues are commonly associated with childhood depression. In fact, sleep problems may be present in up to three-quarters of depression cases in children and adolescents.

Many parents wonder if it is normal for their child to feel depressed once in a while or in reaction to a negative event. Some children may experience temporary mild depression symptoms in response to stress.

Q: I have a very bad habit of procrastinating which makes my depression and anxiety even worse. Are there things I can do to break this habit?

While irritability in children is related to various psychiatric disorders, it is a common symptom of depressive disorders in children. Finding the specific cause for your child's irritability is important.

When it comes to impulsivity and aggression, depression may be a cause. If your child is exhibiting these types of behaviors, it could be a sign of childhood depression.

Worthlessness, or feeling worthless, can be a painful symptom of depression in children. Many children with depression believe that they are somehow bad, wrong, or inherently flawed.

Vegetative symptoms are commonly seen in children with depression and greatly impact a child's ability to function in her everyday life.

Depression is considered to be an internalizing disorder, which includes behaviors like unexplained physical complaints, social withdrawal, and sadness.

Q: What is a Major Depressive Episode, according the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria?

Because depression can start at a very young age, it is important to be aware of the warning signs of depression in young children. Some research shows that there are observable behavioral reactions between depressed and at-risk children as compared to those who are not depressed or not at risk.

Q: What are the official diagnostic criteria for the mood disorder dysthymia.

Emotional regulation describes a set of complex psychological processes that may be affected by depression. A depressed child may have less ability to control their emotions and behaviors than an adult

Temporary sleep problems in children are quite normal, but if they persist they can actually cause depression. Learn how you can help your child to develop good sleep habits.

Impulsivity may be a symptom of depression in children. This article explains what it is and provides examples of impulsive behavior.

What is major depressive disorder? What are the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosing it?

What is rumination, how does it relate to depression, and how can one stop doing it?

"Subsyndromal depression" is a term used by diagnosing clinicians related to a person's depression symptoms; but, what does it really mean?

The Children's Global Assessment Scale, or CGAS, is a tool widely used in the mental health industry to assess children and adolescents.

This article discusses how a child's shyness in school may actually be a sign of depression. Teachers are often too busy to investigate a quiet or shy child. Children with overt, aggressive or disruptive behavior usually get the attention of a teacher, school counselor or psychologist and thus depressed children may go unnoticed. Parents should...

While social withdrawal in children is a symptom associated with many different disorders, it appears to be fairly indicative of depression in children.

Whether a child is at high risk for depression or simply has concerning symptoms, parents often wonder when the onset of depression for children is.

Emotional regulation describes a set of complex psychological processes that may be affected by depression. A depressed child may have less ability to control their emotions and behaviors than an adult

Feelings of being misunderstood in children and adolescents are not uncommon. However, in some cases, it may actually be a sign of depression.

Feelings of being misunderstood in children and adolescents are not uncommon. However, in some cases, it may actually be a sign of depression.

Why do I crave carbs, sugar and chocolate when I'm depressed?

Daily functioning refers to the ability to engage in every day life tasks and interactions. It may be used to assess the severity of depression in children, as well as other mental illnesses. A decrease in daily functioning may indicate the increase of depression symptoms.

When your child has no energy and is always tired it may be a sign of childhood depression. Proper evaluation and treatment can help.

Impulsivity may be a symptom of depression in children. This article explains what it is and provides examples of impulsive behavior.