Do Children and Adolescents Really Suffer From Depression?
Yes. Childhood/Adolescent depression is different from the normal "blues" and everyday emotions that occur as a child or adolescent develops. Just because they seem depressed or sad, does not necessarily mean they have depression. But if these symptoms become persistent, disruptive, and interfere with social activities, interests, schoolwork and family life, it may indicate that he or she has the medical illness called depression. Keep in mind that while depression is a serious illness, it is also a treatable one.
How Can I Tell if My Child/Adolescent is Depressed?
The symptoms of depression in children and adolescents vary. It is often undiagnosed and untreated because they are passed off as normal emotional and psychological changes that occur during growth. Many display sadness or low mood similar to adults who are depressed. The primary symptoms of depression revolve around sadness, a feeling of hopelessness, and mood changes.
Signs and symptoms of depression in children/adolescents include:
- Irritability or anger
- Continuous feelings of sadness, hopelessness
- Social withdrawal
- Increased sensitivity to rejection
- Changes in appetite -- either increased or decreased
- Changes in sleep -- sleeplessness or excessive sleep
- Vocal outbursts or crying
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue and low energy
- Physical complaints (such as stomachaches, headaches) that do not respond to treatment
- Reduced ability to function during events and activities at home or with friends, in school, extracurricular activities, and in other hobbies or interests
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Impaired thinking or concentration
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Qualified children and adolescents age 7-17 who participate in this research study will receive monetary compensation, study-related medical evaluations, psychological assessments and investigational study drug at no cost.
If you would like to participate in this clinical study regarding childhood or adolescent depresssion, please fill out our optional parent-assessment questionnaire to the right or for more information please call (877) 453-0404.