More than just a bad mood: Recognizing depression in children and adolescents

2023-05-23T07:19:48.885Z

Highlights: Even small children can suffer from depression, says Hodei Unzueta. The symptoms are often very different from what is commonly known about depression. Symptoms of depression are often dismissed as adolescent mood swings or pubertal bad moods. Depression can also occur together with other diseases such as anxiety disorders, ADHD or eating disorders. It is possible that they are the result of a long-standing suffering. Therefore, it is important that various pathologies are considered and thoroughly diagnosed. Parents can help by ensuring a stable circadian rhythm and social contacts.

The child has recently become extremely fidgety or even aggressive? This could indicate depression. This is because the symptoms are often atypical.

One second they are a little sunshine, the next the world is ending: children and adolescents are prone to great emotions. This is quite normal. But the immature brain is not always to blame for children's emotional outbursts – depression can also be behind it. This also occurs much more frequently in young people than is often assumed. And that's why it's often overlooked. What do parents need to pay attention to?

Even small children can suffer from depression

In the past, it was usually said that small children suffer only minor pain. The same was true of their psyche: For a long time, scientists assumed that toddlers and preschoolers could not suffer from depression. Today it is clear that this is not true. However, the symptoms are often very different from what is commonly known about depression. As a result, they are quickly overlooked.

What to do about depression during puberty in children and adolescents? © IMAGO/Hodei Unzueta

These can be signs of depression in young children:

Aggression and outbursts of temperament
Restlessness up to hyperactivity
Listlessness and disinterest in play and contact with other children
Great anxiety
Gestures and facial expressions are slowed down
Headache and stomach ache
They suddenly go back to bed, even though they have long been diaper-free.

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Depression in teenagers – not normal behavior during puberty

During puberty, the young brain is in turmoil. It's no wonder that symptoms of depression are often dismissed as adolescent mood swings or pubertal bad moods. Especially in boys, depression is often overlooked. If the disease occurs in younger children about equally often in boys and girls, then in adolescence it is diagnosed much more often in girls.

Where does depression in children and adolescents come from?

The causes of depression are not always clearly visible. Often there are already mentally ill relatives, so the young person has inherited a genetic predisposition. But external influences also play a role. Perhaps there are family problems, the parents have separated, or the bond with the mother or father is not secure. The child may have experienced violence or may feel socially excluded. Sometimes the child is over- or under-challenged or sleeps too little. And the Corona pandemic has also left its mark. With older children and adolescents, you should not underestimate the bad influence of social media.

Very often, depression also occurs together with other diseases such as anxiety disorders, ADHD or eating disorders. It is possible that they are the result of a long-standing suffering. Therefore, it is important that various pathologies are considered and thoroughly diagnosed.

Depression cannot always be prevented, but it can be prevented

There is no secret recipe that prevents depression. Nevertheless, you can give your child some protection. A stable, loving bond with parents and other close relatives reduces the risk of depression. If you have a confidant, it is easier to find someone with whom he or she can share his or her feelings. Also, a person with a healthy self-esteem has a stronger psyche. Don't be too critical of your child. Strict education and punishments often do more harm than good.

Depression can also be treated well in children and adolescents

If a child or teenager shows at least five symptoms for at least two weeks, depression is likely. It is important that the person concerned is now well observed and gets a lot of patience and understanding. Often the symptoms go away on their own after a few weeks. Parents can help their child by ensuring a stable circadian rhythm and social contacts. Exercise is good for the psyche, so club sports often help to alleviate the symptoms. However, if the child does not like to exercise or feels pressured quickly, other active activities may be more helpful. Well-intentioned advice such as "Get some fresh air" or "Don't act like that" is not beneficial. As a result, the young person is likely to feel misunderstood and may not confide in you in the future.

If the symptoms persist for a longer period of time or if the person concerned shows self-injurious behavior, you should definitely consult a doctor. Depression is as severe in children and adolescents as it is in adults. If they are not adequately treated, they can drag on into adulthood or lead to problems later on. In the worst case, the patient could try to take his or her own life.

In addition to the pediatrician, child psychiatrists are the first point of contact. You will probably be advised to use cognitive-behavioral therapy. Play therapy can also help younger children. In order to find a therapy, it is usually necessary to ask several therapists. However, you can also make an appointment through the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. As a rule, depression can be treated well with therapy. Depending on the severity, antidepressants may be used. However, the child must be closely cared for by a doctor and well observed. Sometimes the medications can trigger or intensify suicidal thoughts. If your child is acutely expressing suicidal thoughts or even plans, call the emergency number on 112!

It is also important for parents to get help. Conversations with relatives are often part of the therapy. There are also support groups for affected families. You can also share your worries and needs via the "Number against grief" (0800 111 0 550). Children and adolescents can reach trained pastors on 116 111.

Are you depressed? You can get help around the clock at the telephone counselling service – every day of the year: Call 0800 1110111 or 0800 1110222. The call is free of charge. Your phone number will not be transmitted and you will not have to say your name. The conversation lasts as long as necessary.

This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, individual questions about clinical pictures may not be answered by our editors.

Source: merkur

All life articles on 2023-05-23