The seriousness of childhood depression has many parents wondering if there are early signs of depression to watch for in their young children. In fact, research on children with depression suggests that there may be signs as early as age 3.
1. Sadness. Depressed children usually feel sad most of the time, sometimes for reasons that are unknown. It is normal for a child to feel sad after certain events, like the loss of a parent or a broken relationship, however these feelings are usually temporary and improve over time. If your child shows sadness most of the time and for no obvious reason, it may be a sign of current or impending depression.
2. Lack of Pleasure, also known as anhedonia, is a child's inability to experience pleasure from age-appropriate activities. For a young child, this would include toys and playtime. For an adolescent, this might include time spent with friends or engaging in hobbies, like reading or sports.
It is important to remember that each child has individual interests and likes, so not every child is going to enjoy all activities. Children also change interests quickly. So, it is not uncommon for them to love something one day and dislike it the next. It is important though, that your child is able to experience joy and pleasure in some way. If you are unable to observe joy in your child, speak to a professional.
3. Irritability is an important symptom in children. Depressed children tend to show more irritability than do depressed adults. Irritability may sometimes be attributed to another disorder, like ADD/ADHD, however it is also a cardinal symptom of childhood depression. In adolescents and teens, irritability may be overlooked as part of normal moodiness of puberty when it might be something more.
While there may be early signs of depression in children, the best predictor is a past episode of depression or a family history of depression. If you notice the above symptoms, or other symptoms of depression it is important to speak to your child's pediatrician about your concerns so the most appropriate treatment can be sought.
Sources:
Boris Birmaher, MD, David Brent, MD, et al.Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Depressive Disorders. The Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 46(11). November 2007. 1503-1526.
Depression and Suicide in Children and Adolescents. Surgeon General's Health Report. Accessed: July 12, 2011. http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter3/sec5.html
Joan L. Luby. "Preschool Depression: The Importance of Identification of Depression Early in Development." Current Trends in Psychological Science August 2010; 19(4).
Joan L. Luby, M.D., Marilyn J. Essex, Ph.D., Jeffrey M. Armstrong, M.S., Marjorie H. Klein, Ph.D., Carolyn Aahn-Waxler, Ph.D., Jill P. Sullivan, M.S., and H. Hill Goldsmith, Ph.D. Gender Differences in Emotional Reactivity and AT Risk Preschoolers: Implications for Gender Specific Manifestations of Preschool Depression. The Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. July 2009. 38(4): 525-537.
