Depresion on Kids

Depression is a disease of the mind and in some adults, severe depression leads to suicide. Kids also can have depression. Children and adolescents who are stressed, experience loss, or have attention, learning, behavioral or anxiety disorders, are at risk of childhood depression. Depression also appears to be hereditary.

Depression in children is different from that in adults. Children do not easily recognize and express their feelings and subtle signs may be the only indications that depression has set in. Here are some common signs.

• Frequent sadness, tearfulness or crying

• Decreased interest in favorite activities

• Verbal expressions of suicide or death

• Thoughts of running away from home

Trivia

• A child who does not respond to his or her name by the age of 1 year may be more than likely to be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

• At a very early age, an infant begins to curl up and cling to its mother. Their legs bend and curl up, they place their hands on the shoulders or arm of their carrier and they cling. A child with autism or autism spectrum disorder often does not cling.