Many years ago, doctors didn't believe that children could experience depression. But mental health experts now know that depression is as common in kids as it is in adults. Early detection and treatment of depression in children is important.
Treatment of depression in children may include psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Opinions vary as to which form of treatment should be tried first. But a growing body of evidence indicates that for most children the best approach is a combination of both.
Studies show that a form of psychotherapy called short-term cognitive behavior therapy relieves symptoms of depression in many kids. Children who are depressed often have an unhealthy, negative view of themselves and their experiences. Cognitive behavior therapy helps children develop a healthier, more positive view. Research suggests that this type of therapy can be faster and more effective than other types of therapy in some kids.
Even when symptoms of depression go away, a therapist may recommend that a child continue psychotherapy for a time. This may further develop and enhance the child's coping skills — reducing the risk that depression will recur.
Medication also can help. The development of newer antidepressant medications and mood-stabilizing drugs has improved the treatment of depression in children. Medication may be useful when a child:
 Has severe symptoms that likely won't respond to psychotherapy alone
 Doesn't have convenient or timely access to psychotherapy
 Has a psychosis or a bipolar disorder
 Has chronic or recurring depression
It's generally best for a child to keep taking the medication for several months after symptoms of depression go away. This reduces the risk of recurrence.
Some research indicates a link between antidepressants and increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children being treated with these drugs. As a result, in October 2004, the Food and Drug Administration strengthened warnings about antidepressant use in kids — not to prevent their use but to encourage doctors to carefully weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing them.
An important part of treating depression in young people is educating the child and family members about the illness and its treatment.

Answered by Alok , an ibibo Master, at 3:44 PM on September 26, 2008

Depression is a type of mental illness that sometimes affects children, causing them to feel sad, angry or frustrated for long periods of time. Major depression among children affects about 2 percent of children ages 6 to 12 years and 4 percent of adolescents.

Some bouts of depression in children are severe but relatively short in duration. Others are mild, but may continue for years. Children may become depressed after a trauma, such as the death of a parent, family strife or illness. In other cases, the source of this change in mood is less obvious.

TREATMENT:
----------- -------
Treatments for depression in children usually consist of psychotherapy, medication or a combination of the two.

Psychotherapy is often valuable in helping children to address symptoms related to depression. This may include both individual therapy and family therapy sessions.

Medications such as antidepressants often provide significant relief from symptoms associated with depression. They are used most often in cases when psychotherapy alone fails to relieve symptoms and in situations where children have chronic or recurrent depression.

Answered by SESHAN , an ibibo Master, at 4:28 PM on September 26, 2008

Treatment of depression in children may include psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Opinions vary as to which form of treatment should be tried first. But a growing body of evidence indicates that for most children the best approach is a combination of both.

Studies show that a form of psychotherapy called short-term cognitive behavior therapy relieves symptoms of depression in many kids. Children who are depressed often have an unhealthy, negative view of themselves and their experiences. Cognitive behavior therapy helps children develop a healthier, more positive view. Research suggests that this type of therapy can be faster and more effective than other types of therapy in some kids.
visit /www.mayoclinic.co

Answered by Jyothi , an ibibo Master, at 4:59 PM on September 26, 2008

well,Depression is a common disorder among children (less than 18 years). Approximately 5% of children at any one time may suffer from serious depression. The of depression increases with age, especially after the onset of puberty. There is no gender related difference in the prevalence of depression among pre-adolescent children. However, onset of puberty is associated with a marked increase in the rate of depression among females, with a female to male ratio of 2:1. The prevalence of depression may be higher in children with other psychiatric disorders (ADHD, conduct disorder, eating disorders, anxiety disorders) and in those with general medical conditions (diabetes, asthma, cancers and other chronic illnesses). The prevalence may also be higher among children with developmental disorders and mental retardation.

It is often during adolescence that depression first manifests itself in girls, and for the first time girls outnumber boys 2:1 in prevalence of the illness. It is estimated that 4.7% of the teenage population suffers from depression. (Kashani and Sherman 1988) It was long believed that the tumultuous moods of the teenage years were "normal", but we now understand that excessive irritability, moodiness, sleep and appetite change may signal a vulnerability to depression. (Pine et al. 1999) Common symptoms of adolescent depression are irritability, hopelessness, anhedonia, changes in sleep and appetite, academic decline, reduced energy, reduced social interactions, somatic symptoms, and suicidal ideation. We also know that more minor symptoms which might not meet full criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (subsyndromal illness) may predispose girls to full blown episodes later in life. Numerous factors may predispose adolescent girls to depression. These include the increase in hormones associated with puberty, changes in body shape and emerging sexual identity, family stressors such as divorce and peer pressure. Separation associated with leaving for college is another stressor which may predispose to depression. Adolescents who develop depression often have recurrences in adulthood and a more severe course. Early detection is essential to minimize recurrences and morbidity from the illness.

Symptoms of depression in children
Unlike adults, most children deny rather than admit depression. Symptoms of depression vary with the developmental stage of the child. Denial of symptoms, aggression, excessive crying, and physical symptoms may be more common among preadolescent children. Common symptoms of depression among adolescents and older pre-adolescent children include irritability, withdrawal, isolative behavior, loss of interest and/or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, sleep disturbance (reduced or increased sleep), changes in appetite (reduced or increased appetite), and reduced energy. Physical symptoms such as chronic headaches or stomach aches which cannot be attributed to a physical illness, are common among children with depression. Most young people with depression suffer from academic decline. Some youngsters may use street drugs and alcohol in an effort to alleviate their depression. Conflict with authority may result from irritability. Atypical symptoms such as excessive sleep, increased appetite, an extreme sensitivity to rejection, and irritability are more common among children than among adults. In the most severe forms of depression, distortions of reality such as and may be noted.

Suicide and depression in children
Depression in children is associated with a significant personal loss and a negative impact on the society. One of the most serious outcomes of depression is suicide. Majority of the children who attempt or contemplate suicide are likely to suffer from depression. Prompt identification and treatment of depression is important. Untreated depression may lead to failure to achieve full academic potential, disruption of key relationships with

Answered by Debashis , an ibibo Master, at 5:50 PM on September 26, 2008

Many years ago, doctors didn't believe that children could experience depression. But mental health experts now know that depression is as common in kids as it is in adults. Early detection and treatment of depression in children is important.

Treatment of depression in children may include psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Opinions vary as to which form of treatment should be tried first. But a growing body of evidence indicates that for most children the best approach is a combination of both.

Studies show that a form of psychotherapy called short-term cognitive behavior therapy relieves symptoms of depression in many kids. Children who are depressed often have an unhealthy, negative view of themselves and their experiences. Cognitive behavior therapy helps children develop a healthier, more positive view. Research suggests that this type of therapy can be faster and more effective than other types of therapy in some kids.

Even when symptoms of depression go away, a therapist may recommend that a child continue psychotherapy for a time. This may further develop and enhance the child's coping skills — reducing the risk that depression will recur.

Medication also can help. The development of newer antidepressant medications and mood-stabilizing drugs has improved the treatment of depression in children. Medication may be useful when a child:

• Has severe symptoms that likely won't respond to psychotherapy alone
• Doesn't have convenient or timely access to psychotherapy
• Has a psychosis or a bipolar disorder
• Has chronic or recurring depression

It's generally best for a child to keep taking the medication for several months after symptoms of depression go away. This reduces the risk of recurrence.

Some research indicates a link between antidepressants and increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children being treated with these drugs. As a result, in October 2004, the Food and Drug Administration strengthened warnings about antidepressant use in kids — not to prevent their use but to encourage doctors to carefully weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing them.

An important part of treating depression in young people is educating the child and family members about the illness and its treatment.

Answered by Yogeshwar , an ibibo Specialist, at 7:17 PM on September 26, 2008

hi rinku!
Research has repeatedly demonstrated that psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, is an effective treatment for depression. In some cases, drug therapy may be needed as well.



Most therapists take a comprehensive approach that looks at your child, his family and social group, and the factors that may contribute to his depression. In addition to counseling your child, a therapist may also suggest family therapy or parent counseling and treatment for any related conditions your child has, such as substance abuse or an eating disorder.


Whether children can benefit from drug therapy must be decided on a case-by-case basis by the therapist and parents. The FDA strongly advises caution when giving antidepressants to children and teens due to reports of increased suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in some antidepressant patients under age 18. In 2004, the FDA strengthened warnings on all antidepressant packaging. Patients on antidepressants should be monitored for a worsening of their depression or the development of suicidal tendencies. This monitoring is particularly important, when the patient first begins taking the drug. Parents who are concerned about the lack of safety data may prefer alternate treatments.



Experts also caution that doctors should prescribe antidepressants only in cases of persistent, severe depression, or when therapy is impossible or is not working. It should not be used to treat kids suffering from painful situations like the death of a friend or relative, family violence, conflicts at home or school, or the loss of an important relationship. In those cases, using drugs can actually mask the real cause of the depression and keep a child from getting effective treatment. If he's depressed because of family strife or an abusive teacher, for example, the depression may end if family conflicts are resolved or he's transferred to another teacher.


Although some experts believe drug treatment can be useful, they stress that it must be combined with therapy: Medication alone won't cure the problem. Depression can be a chronic disease that often recurs, and to successfully battle it, a child must develop new coping skills.
for more inf check http://www.cvshealthresources.com/t opic/topic13598

Answered by sanjay , an ibibo Guru, at 7:50 PM on September 26, 2008

Treatment of depression in children may include psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Opinions vary as to which form of treatment should be tried first. But a growing body of evidence indicates that for most children the best approach is a combination of both.

Studies show that a form of psychotherapy called short-term cognitive behavior therapy relieves symptoms of depression in many kids. Children who are depressed often have an unhealthy, negative view of themselves and their experiences. Cognitive behavior therapy helps children develop a healthier, more positive view. Research suggests that this type of therapy can be faster and more effective than other types of therapy in some kids.

Even when symptoms of depression go away, a therapist may recommend that a child continue psychotherapy for a time. This may further develop and enhance the child's coping skills — reducing the risk that depression will recur.

Medication also can help. The development of newer antidepressant medications and mood-stabilizing drugs has improved the treatment of depression in children.

SOURCE SITE :
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health /depression-treatment/AN00685

Answered by Sanya Tahir , an ibibo Master, at 10:12 AM on September 27, 2008

Treatment of depression in children may include psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Opinions vary as to which form of treatment should be tried first. But a growing body of evidence indicates that for most children the best approach is a combination of both.

Studies show that a form of psychotherapy called short-term cognitive behavior therapy relieves symptoms of depression in many kids. Children who are depressed often have an unhealthy, negative view of themselves and their experiences. Cognitive behavior therapy helps children develop a healthier, more positive view. Research suggests that this type of therapy can be faster and more effective than other types of therapy in some kids.

Even when symptoms of depression go away, a therapist may recommend that a child continue psychotherapy for a time. This may further develop and enhance the child's coping skills — reducing the risk that depression will recur.

Medication also can help. The development of newer antidepressant medications and mood-stabilizing drugs has improved the treatment of depression in children. Medication may be useful when a child:
Has severe symptoms that likely won't respond to psychotherapy alone
Doesn't have convenient or timely access to psychotherapy
Has a psychosis or a bipolar disorder
Has chronic or recurring depression

It's generally best for a child to keep taking the medication for several months after symptoms of depression go away. This reduces the risk of recurrence.

Some research indicates a link between antidepressants and increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children being treated with these drugs. As a result, in October 2004, the Food and Drug Administration strengthened warnings about antidepressant use in kids — not to prevent their use but to encourage doctors to carefully weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing them.

Source Site..
http://www.mayoclinic.com/h ealth/depression-treatment/AN00685

Answered by Mohd Saqib , an ibibo Master, at 1:04 AM on October 01, 2008

In joint families, children grew in the love of everyone./So one or two orphaned kids grew, along with brothers and sisters.Even then, they had no psychological problems.They got education like the others too. But today, with just dad and mom and none to spend time with, kids have become self centered. They spend on a heavy b day party.Actually all that is not helping him get better. He still has depression. Kids after 5 must be spoken to.They should be treated like adults.
Instead of treating them like kings, they should be given little responsibilities and made to live up to ur standards. But once depression sets in, docs give soporifics,sleeping pills and anti depression medicines. I would tell the kid's mom to throw off all that and envelope the kid in her warm love, stop going to office till he gets better and see what is ailing his mind. Just togetherness helps a great deal as far as kids are concerned. May be the depression was due to the neglect. Studies show that ladies who conc too much on work, ignoring kids are actually in for trouble.De facto, it is only common sense to state that depression in kids is due to the indifference of parents and nothing else.

Answered by Vida Writer , an ibibo Master, at 9:58 PM on October 01, 2008