Child & Adolescent Depression
By Sally-Anne McCormack, Psychologist M.A.P.S. - December 2006
www.psychonline.com.au
Recently there has been a considerable media focus on depression. Much of this attention has been as a result of the hardship and suicide rates for the farmers due to the severe drought. There is no doubt, this mental illness causes loss of productivity, family breakups, lethargy, inability to make decisions, and because it is so common, it affects every one of us in some way – no one is exempt from the effects of depression. The Australian government has acknowledged the serious negative consequence that this illness has on our society by adding the treatment of this illness (and others) to Medicare this month. What is not so well known is that children and adolescents also suffer from depression. In fact, thirty five years ago, it was not considered by researchers that children could suffer from depression. Current statistics vary with regards to its prevalence, however most agree that around 4% of our children and 8 - 10% of our adolescents (ie. around one in ten teens) may have depression. An Australian national survey in 1997 found that around 14.5% of Australian children and adolescents have mental health issues (Sawyer, et al., 2000).
Children with depression do not often present the same way as adults. It is generally not an overwhelming sadness or tears. Below are some symptoms that could suggest depression in our young. They may:
Lose their temper over minor things
Have difficulty concentrating
Have trouble sitting still (or not want to get up)
Complain of headaches or stomach aches without medical cause
Feel sad or cry for no apparent reason
No longer enjoy his/her favourite activities
Sleep more (or less) than usual
It could be argued that these behaviours describe most teens. Some parents disregard these symptoms for various reasons. Many state that they felt this way when they were teens themselves, therefore it must be acceptable. This may be true – many people may have suffered from undiagnosed depression in their early years. Given that there are around one in five adults with depression, it seems likely that many of them probably experienced these symptoms when they were young, but it was not recognised as a mental illness. Typically an episode of depression will vanish within about 8 months without intervention. An obvious risk then is that there is likely to be a later reoccurrence, particularly if there have not been any strategies learned or preventative measures put into place to either lessen the likelihood or lessen the effects of this illness.
As guardians, the first thing we need to do is to make a decision as to whether this is a short-term issue (such as a fight at school or a failed test) or if it is more serious. It is perfectly normal for a child to feel sad if their best friend has just transferred from their school, or their mother has left the family home. To determine if our child’s reaction is within normal limits, one question might be “Is this reaction appropriate to the situation?”. If it is, then it is our responsibility to manage their behaviour over that time and make ourselves available to them. However, if we feel that the reaction is a little excessive, then we must determine if it has persisted for longer than 2 weeks. If the symptoms have remained the same or appear to be worsening, then it is time to seek professional advice.
Contacting a mental health professional is essential. Telephone a psychologist, visit your doctor, or speak to the school’s welfare co-ordinator. Some methods of treatment include therapies such as cognitive-behavioural (CBT), psychodynamic, supportive, narrative, and hypnotherapy. Other treatments consist of relaxation techniques, increasing activity, prescription medications, or alternative therapies such as herbal treatments, acupuncture and others.
Remember, the earlier we take positive steps, the quicker we find a solution.
If you would like more information on depression, please visit www.depressionet.com.au for further resources, help and peer support.
Sawyer MG, Arney FM, Baghurst PA, Clark JJ, Graetz BW, Kosky RJ et al (2000). The Mental Health of Young People in Australia: The Child and Adolescent Component of the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service.
