Childhood Depression

Are you feeling emotionally drained by the ups and downs of your child’s unpredictable behavior? This can feel like an emotional roller coaster going from very removed and withdrawn to angry and hostile! What causes this behavior? Is is just a typical “phase” or something more? Depression is a common, devastating mood disorder. Depressive disorders negatively affect approximately 17.6 million, or 1 in 6, Americans each year.

Stressful life events in childhood, such as significant loss, parental loss, and emotional trauma or physical abuse, are risk factors for the development of depression.

Depression is 1.5 to 3 times more common among persons with an afflicted close relative (ex: a parent) than among the general population. However, family studies indicate that major depression is not caused by a single gene alone, but is a disease with complex genetic features. No specific genetic risk factor has been reliably identified and associated with the development of depression.

Depression has several risk factors to be aware of…

Cognitive/environmental conditions can predispose an individual to a depressive disorder.

– Excessive stress
– Impulsive and obsession disorders/personalities
– Negative thinking
– High levels of worry

Certain Neurological illnesses are greater risk factors, such as

– Parkinson’s disease
– Stroke
– Multiple sclerosis
– Seizure disorders

Among persons with certain medical conditions can also increase a person’s risk of a major depressive episode by 20-25%, such as

– Cancer
– Diabetes
– Myocardial infarction
– Stroke

Chronic pain, medical illness, and persistent or severe psychosocial stress also elevate the risk of major depression.

A trained mental health professional can help determine if what your child is struggling with is a developmental/behavioral phase or depression. Treatment is available. Work with your therapist to identify the best approach for you. Your therapist may recommend a consultation with your physician to weigh the pros and cons of medications that can be effective. There is hope and reason to seek assessment and help. Call today. (402) 325-0117

AdultSpan Counseling
1001 South 70th St.
Suite 225
Lincoln, NE 68510