Depression symptoms in children

Depression in children can manifest in a number of easily recognizable symptoms.
Although there are variations depending on the stage, one commonly cited statistic says that about 2% of prepubertal children at up to 8% of adolescents exhibit clinical symptoms of depression.Symptoms of depression in children vary according to age and sex.

Characteristics of depression found in children
Depression can cause different behaviors. Regardless of age or gender, depression is always accompanied by changes in behavior or personality style. Examples of behavioral changes include a child suddenly becomes introverted extrovert personality and retired, a child often becomes combative or passive social child suddenly becomes shy – all are signs of depression.
Signs of depression in boys and girls. A hallmark of depression in adolescents is hostility or anger. In contrast, girls can display changes more obvious depression than boys. These signs include feelings of sadness and desire to cry out frequently. Often girls explicitly states that are depressed. Many children may appear normal in emotionally, but began to complain of a wide range of physical symptoms. In addition, the child may be lethargic or might accuse a constant state of fatigue. If these events are combined with a modified plan sleep (either insomnia or sleepiness), depression may be present.
Depression in preteens. In children preteens signs include increasing or decreasing appetite, a sudden loss of interest in social activities or increased self-deprecating statements. Since a depressed child will often start to feel worthless or inadequate, he or she will tend to do, regardless of context, statements regarding worthlessness or feeling like there is no hope, and in extreme cases , child lacks the will to live anymore. Such statements should be taken seriously by parents who should contact a professional as soon as possible to treat depression.

Methods of treatment for depression children
A depressed child is a child who suffers a lot and who may feel alone, even in the midst of a loving family. It is best to provide support to these children, avoiding such exhortations get out of it, you have nothing.
Remember, if the child could cope with depression alone would do it, but depression is an illness and it requires specialized medical treatment. Be patient and give your child all the emotional support they need to overcome the condition.
Treatment options for children with depression are similar to those for adults, including psychotherapy (counseling) and medication. For children, the role of the family and social environment play in the treatment process is different from that of adults.
Your pediatrician may suggest psychotherapy as the main method of treating depression. At the same time, the doctor may consider prescribing antidepressants as an additional option if psychotherapy will not yield expected results. Most studies indicate that a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication is the most effective method of treatment of depression in children and adults.