Childhood depression

Childhood Depression

Childhood depression (pronunciation: /ˈtʃaɪldˌhʊd dɪˈprɛʃən/) is a mental health disorder that affects children and adolescents. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a lack of motivation.

Etymology

The term "childhood depression" is derived from the English words "childhood," referring to the period of life from birth to adolescence, and "depression," which comes from the Latin word "depressus," meaning "pressed down" or "low."

Symptoms

Symptoms of childhood depression can vary and may include:

Persistent sadness or mood swings
Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
Changes in appetite or weight
Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty concentrating
Frequent complaints of physical ailments such as headaches or stomachaches
Thoughts of death or suicide

Causes

The exact cause of childhood depression is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Some children may be at a higher risk due to a family history of depression or other mental disorders, traumatic life events, or certain medical conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for childhood depression often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are two types of psychotherapy that have been found to be effective in treating childhood depression. In some cases, antidepressant medications may be prescribed.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Childhood depression
Wikipedia's article - Childhood depression

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Childhood depression