Depression symptoms in children differ from those of adults. How you can tell if your child is depressed.

CyberChild

Depression Symptoms in Children.

By Pat McChristie

Since children have somewhat different symptoms of depression than adults, what signals childhood depression? How can you tell if your child is depressed?

Since children have somewhat different symptoms of depression than adults, what signals childhood depression?

 1. Mood change: Gloomy, sad, unhappy, despairing, or hopeless feelings.

2. Change in appetite: Loss of interest in food or effortless weight loss is more common than overeating.

Depression in children can be hard to diagnose in its early stages. 

4. Changes in school work.

5. Changes in socialization.

6. Overreacting to criticism.

7. Sexual promiscuity.

8. Delinquency.

10. Healthy, well child complaining of illness.

11. Inability to experience pleasure: Child might withdraw from friends or activities previously enjoyed or exhibit general feelings of tiredness, listlessness or lethargy. 

12. Changes in activity levels: Children may seem to be operating in slow motion or seem constantly jittery or agitated, even hyperactive.  

No depressed child has all of the above symptoms but even one symptom deserves your attention.

Early diagnosis and treatment by professionals are essential to children who are experiencing depression. Once your child has experienced major depression, he or she is at risk of developing another depression in less than five years.

This book is a must-read for parents of children aged two up to early teens.
I personally enjoyed the cassette version since it allowed me to listen and drive--a good use of precious time for parents. Also allows couples to listen and discuss together.

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If your child is nearing the teen years, you might want to invest in another good book by Thomas Phelan,  Surviving Your Adolescents.  Phelan has also written about self-esteem in  children and dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD or ADHD). His combined knowledge allows him great insight into teens. In the book on adolescence, Dr. Phelan gives a step-by-step approach that helps end hassles while allowing parents and children to keep their self-respect. This book abounds with concrete solutions to life with a teen-ager.

It is also available in cassette for those of us who need to save time.

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