Depression in children facts:

*Depression is a condition that is more severe than normal sadness and can significantly interfere with a child's ability to function.

*Depression affects about 2% of preschool and school-age children

*Depression in children does not have one specific cause but rather a number of biological, psychological, and environmental risk factors that are part of its development

*General symptoms of depression, regardless of age, include having a depressed or irritable mood or loss of interest or pleasure for at least two weeks and having at least five clinical signs and symptoms.

*Suicide is the third leading cause of death in youth 10-24 years of age

*To diagnose depression, a health-care professional will likely perform or refer for a thorough medical assessment and physical examination and ask standard mental-health questions.

*Treatment for childhood depression may include addressing any medical conditions that caused or worsened the condition. It can also involve lifestyle adjustments, psychotherapy, and, for moderate to severe depression, medication.

*Interpersonal therapy (ITP) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are the major approaches commonly used to treat childhood depression.

*About 60% of children who take antidepressant medication improve. It may take up to six weeks of treatment with medication at its effective dose to start improving.

*Childhood depression is a risk factor for developing a number of other mental-health symptoms and disorders.

*Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States in people over 5 years of age.

*Prevention of childhood depression seeks to reduce risk factors and strengthen protective factors using approaches that are appropriate for the child's developmental level.

*Family members and friends are advised to seek mental-health assessment and treatment for the depressed child.

More information : Medicinenet.com