Childhood Clinical Depression

Childhood Clinical Depression looks very different from adult depression. The core symptom is not sadness, but irritability and aggressiveness. It affects approximately 2% of children and 8% of adolescents.

In Infants and Toddlers:

• Too little or too much crying, excessive whining
• Sad or deadpan expression
• Little motor activity
• Lack of pleasure in developmentally appropriate activities
• Lack of social interest
• Failure to grow and thrive

In Preschoolers:

• Frequent and unexplained headaches, stomachaches and/or fatigue
• Overactivity or excessive restlessness
• Frequent sadness
• Low tolerance for frustration
• Irritability
• Lack of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities

In School-aged Children:

• Frequent and unexplained headaches or stomachaches
• Significant weight loss or weight gain
• Feeling sad, hopeless, weepy or empty
• Unmerited feelings of being "bad" or "stupid"
• Changes in sleep patterns/problems with sleeping
• Unprovoked anger or aggression
• Refusal or reluctance to attend school, skipping school
• Dropping out of favorite activities
• Withdrawal, little interest in playing with others
• Running away

In Adolescents:

• All of the symptoms previously mentioned, plus:
• A Sudden drop in grades or a change in behavior
• Self-destructive behavior, including drug and alcohol use
• Difficult with relationships, antisocial or delinquent behavior
• Inattention to appearance or grooming
• Risk-taking behaviors with little thought of consequences
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
• Slowed physical responses or increased physical agitation
• Social isolation

*The above information was printed from Red Flags in Children's Behavior and Parents published by the Mental Health Association of Summit County, Inc. and Teachers as Allies: Recognizing Early-onset Mental Illnesses in Children and Adolescents published by NAMI.  More information can be found at www.seemehearmyfeelings.org.