By Deborah Rich, PhD

Childhood is often portrayed as a happy, care-free time in life, and problems during adolescence are often seen as a passing “phase” or “stage.” Statistics on mental illness in childhood and adolescence paint a different picture.

Consider the following:

• Depression affects up to 2.5% of children and 8.3% of adolescents in the United States at any given time.
• Depression is as common among adolescents as it is among adults.
• Three million teenagers have considered or attempted suicide this past year.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people under 24 years of age, after accidents and homicides.
• Only about 21% of children and adolescents in the United States who need mental health services actually receive them.
• Childhood depression is caused by a combination of genetic, physical and environmental variables. Depression tends to run in families.

Factors increasing a young person's risk for becoming depressed:

• Loss of a parent, close relative or friend.
• Break-up of parents' marriage.
• Chronic illness.
• Abuse or neglect.
• Traumatic events such as natural disaster.
• Attention, learning, or conduct disorders.

Signs of depression in children and adolescents:

• Frequent sadness.
• Withdrawal from family, friends, and activities that were once enjoyed.
• Increased irritability or agitation.
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits.
• Frequent physical complaints, e.g., headaches, stomachaches.
• Lack of enthusiasm or motivation.
• Decreased energy level and chronic fatigue.
• Play that involves excessive aggression toward self or others, or that involves persistently sad themes.
• Indecision, lack of concentration, or forgetfulness.
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

Untreated depression in children and adolescents may last six to seven months and is exceedingly likely to recur within two years.

Treatment may involve individual, group and family interventions. Play, cognitive-behavioral and supportive therapies are effective in the treatment of childhood depression. Social skills training and relaxation group are also helpful. Antidepressant medication is added in more severe cases.

Childhood depression is real, common and treatable.