Children 2-4 years old can also be depressed?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was consulted with - Doctor Le Thu Phuong - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Many adults are unaware that a child has depression, but an estimated 5% of children and adolescents are assessed as clinically depressed. Today, it is widely recognized that childhood depression is a serious and treatable illness.

1. Manifestations of depression in children

Sadness is not necessarily a sign of depression in children. Every adult and child feels depressed, uninspired, or distressed from time to time over a particular situation. But depression is not the same as an episode of sadness. This condition is marked by feelings of hopelessness, lack of energy, and loss of enthusiasm, which can last for weeks, months, or even years (rarely).
Depression can affect your child's behavior in many ways. Common signs of depression in children include:
Frequent sadness or tears Irritability or stubbornness Anger or defiance Mood swings No longer interested in old interests Difficulty getting along with new things other children and family members Social alienation Lack of energy Difficulty sleeping Appetite disturbances and weight changes Inability to concentrate Low self-esteem and guilt Poor school performance Feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty force Frequent complaints of headaches, stomachaches and other physical ailments

It can be difficult to tell if your child's behavior is normal or worrisome. But if your child exhibits these symptoms of childhood depression and persists for several weeks or more, or if symptoms interfere with living, learning or making friends, seek medical help.
The doctor can assess your child's behavior for concern. If needed, the child will be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist trained to treat children.
Note: If you are concerned your child may hurt himself or others, contact your doctor immediately. Suicidal ideation is an emergency in psychiatry.

2. Causes of depression in children

Depression in both children and adults is thought to be a combination of biological and environmental factors. Many depressed people have a family history of depression or another mental illness.
Scientists think that depression is related to changes in brain chemicals, especially the transmitters that help relay messages from one nerve cell to another. When neurotransmitters are reduced to certain levels, the brain will not function properly, which can lead to depression and other forms of mental illness.
In addition to genes and biology, depression can also be caused by other factors. Traumatic life events such as abandonment, lingering negative problems at school, difficult mobility, or any form of abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional), can cause depression. Sometimes a loss, such as the death of a beloved pet or a parent's divorce, can cause a child to become depressed.

3. Treatment of depression in children

Psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, can effectively treat mild to moderate depression. For cases of depression that are severe or do not improve with therapy, doctors often recommend medication in combination with psychological counseling.
Game therapy can be used with children with depression, because they are quiet and can only express themselves easily through play. In some cases, family therapy or parenting counseling will also be recommended, and treatment of all related conditions if present, such as anxiety or eating disorders.
Even after effective treatment, depression can still recur. A recent study found that preschoolers diagnosed with depression were more than twice as likely to relapse later than their peers.

4. Note about antidepressants

Antidepressants can help correct imbalances in brain chemicals that contribute to depression. However, this is not an easy treatment. It usually takes at least 1-2 weeks or as long as several months for the drug to take effect, and finding the right type and dose of medication also takes a long time.
In most cases, a doctor will start by prescribing a medication, seeing if it works, and monitoring for side effects. Depending on the child's response, the doctor will adjust the dose or switch to another medicine.
In children with depression, some medications used to improve mood can backfire, leading to suicidal thoughts and intentions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that families talk to their doctors about all the risks and benefits associated with antidepressants, and keep a close eye on their children while they are taking antidepressants. use these drugs.
Experts generally recommend trying therapy first for children with mild to moderate depression and stocking up on medication for severe, persistent cases. Not only are they concerned about side effects, but the use of drugs also makes the real cause of depression in children not fully addressed. For example, a child who is depressed because of family disagreements or conflicts with a teacher will improve his mood if the family gets along or switches to another teacher.
All decisions about medication use must be made jointly by parents, children, and doctors. If you are concerned about safety or side effects, check with your doctor. You can also ask about other treatments and alternatives.
Experts stress that even when medication is needed, children with depression should be combined with therapy. Medication alone will not cure the problem and it is important that children who are taking it are closely monitored. In addition, depression can be a chronic illness and to be successfully managed, children need help to develop coping skills on their own.

5. Find a reputable therapy address

Talk to your doctor, family members, teachers and friends for a referral to a trusted therapy site. You can also get help online, or ask your insurance company to recommend the plans included in the package. Keep in mind, the cost of hiring a mental health professional can be quite high, exceeding the budgets of many families.
Once you have some options, start digging deeper into the therapist:
Are you a licensed psychologist/psychiatrist? What degree do you have? How long experience? What is expertise? What treatments are commonly used? How long does treatment take? How much is the fee? Does insurance help? What is the form of payment? If your child has another mental health problem related to depression, such as attention deficit disorder or an eating disorder, find a doctor who specializes in that area.
Finally, it is important that you and your child have a good relationship with the therapist chosen. So you should take the time to find someone your child feels comfortable talking to. You can ask to meet in person or by phone with therapists before bringing in a child with depression for treatment. If you've already started but it doesn't seem right, consider looking for a new location.

6. What should parents do to help children with depression?

Parents often find it difficult to accept that their child is unhappy and suffering. Be patient and loving, ready to listen and not judge when your child wants to speak. Encourage your child to take good care of themselves, including eating healthy, being active, and getting a good night's sleep. You can reduce the housework or extracurricular activities for your child to reduce stress.
Work closely with your child's therapist to provide guidance on how to support a child with depression. If your child has to take medication, make sure to give it exactly as directed. At the same time, it is important to recognize the possible side effects and especially the warning signs that the child needs urgent help.
The good news is that if childhood depression is detected and treated early, your child can feel better again and less likely to relapse in the future. It is important to properly identify the problem and seek medical help.
When children show signs of depression, parents should take their children to reputable and reliable medical facilities for timely treatment.
Psychological Clinic - Vinmec International General Hospital is having the function of examining, consulting and outpatient treatment of psychological and mental health problems. With modern equipment and a team of doctors who are lecturers in psychiatry at Hanoi Medical University, the Psychology Clinic - Vinmec Times City International Hospital is capable of implementing psychological tests. , specialized psychotherapy for medical examination and treatment. With enthusiasm and love for the profession, the team of doctors working at the Psychological Clinic - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital always gives customers the best services with the highest service quality.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: .babycenter.com