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Major Depressive Disorder In Children: A Guide For Parents

Major Depressive Disorder In Children: A Guide For Parents

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The unpredictability of life can even hit a child. However, the most common mental health illness experienced by such kids is depression. Depression can severely affect the mood of a child and make them act in certain negative ways.

To learn more about the details of major depressive disorder in children. Continue reading this blog.

Key Indications Of Major Depressive Disorder In Children 

Every child experiences signs of major depression differently in terms of severity and duration. A child suffering from depression will exhibit the following signs:

  • Constant feelings of sadness
  • Irritated mood
  • Lack of interest in activities
  • Hopelessness
  • Decreased self-esteem
  • Extreme guilt
  • Social withdrawal
  • Unhealthy sleeping patterns
  • Lowered energy
  • Changes in appetite
  • Poor academic performance
  • Lack of concentration
  • Difficulty in making decisions
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Sensitivity to rejection
  • Physical complaints like headaches etc

Read More: What’s The Difference Between A Mood Disorder And A Personality Disorder?

How Common Is Depression In Children And Teens? 

However, certain figures increase the chances of developing depression. As per a rough estimate, almost 3 percent of children aged between 3 and 17 have a higher risk of developing depression. Teens more commonly witness it than children. Almost 1 in 5 teens experience major depression. This is the rough ratio of only those diagnosed through a mental health professional. The actual number is much higher. Any medical illness increases the risk of a mental health manifestation. The same goes for depression in children. If a child has a history of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, and chronic pain then they are more likely to develop signs and symptoms of depressive disorder in childhood.

Researchers are not sure about the actual reason for the onset of depression in children and adolescents. However, several diagnosis of major depressive disorder in children show that the primary reasons can be genes and environmental factors. The following reasons often cause depression in children:

  • A strong family history of depression
  • Some physical illness or injury
  • Sudden negative life events like losing a close person, separation, and divorce.
  • Substance abuse
  • Bullying or exposure to some traumatic experience.

Some Common Risk Factors Of Depression In Children

There are some risk factors linked with the onset of depression in children, including:

Some Common Complications Of Childhood Depression

Depression usually does not come alone. It brings with it other complications too such as anxiety and substance use disorders. A child with depression will struggle in his academic area. Additionally. They may think of suicide many times. These signs can be alarming, but always remember treatment is possible. As a parent or caregiver, ensure to get in touch with the child’s healthcare provider for early identification of the signs of depression.

Read More: Can Anxiety Disorder Cause High Blood Pressure? Insights About The Connection

Best Ways To Manage The Signs Of Depression In Children

The basic ways to treat major depressive disorder signs in children are based on two different ways. The primary focus of such treatments is to sort out the factors that causes major depressive disorder in children.  One is talk therapy and the other is psychiatric medication. Both these ways are effective if used alone. However, the effectiveness doubles if these are combined and then applied.

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy:

The primary focus of CBT is to alter the negative thoughts into positive ones. This will eventually help a child to perceive themself and the world positively. Moreover, this will eventually help them to manage their anxiety signs positively with the help of stress management coping skills.

  • Psychiatric Medication:

There are several types of psychiatric medications based on the type of mental illness. However, in the case of depression, the most commonly recommended ones are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are formulated to increase the levels of decreased serotonin in a depressive condition. The following are the common SSRIs:

  • Paroxetine
  • Fluoxetine
  • Sertraline

Can Depression In Children Be Prevented?

Childhood major depressive disorder cannot be prevented. It can be manifested in children due to several reasons such as some adverse situations and may have a biological cause. Even sometimes, parents are not there to support their child or manage the environmental stressors. Additionally, they can’t change your family history. But you can help your child by improving certain areas:

  • Loads of sleep
  • Regular exercising
  • Maintained meals
  • Supportive environment at school and home

Read More: Understanding The Connection Between Male Depression And Emotional Affairs

How Can You Help Your Child Deal With Depression?

Every child suffering from any mental health issue requires strong family support. A supportive family can speed up the recovery journey of a child. Therefore, parents need to understand that making their children feel that they are listened to and understood is important. If you, being a parent, ever notice sudden changes in your child’s behavior or mood shifts, then ensure that you are asking them questions focusing on their sudden behavior changes. Your child may feel hesitant to share their concerns and thoughts. Some factors like the following can aid in helping you keep track of your child:

  • The sleeping and eating patterns of your child.
  • Your child’s energy levels fluctuate.
  • Side effects of any medicine.
  • The way they interact with peers and family.
  • Lack of interest in the activities they once enjoyed.

The primary ways to treat major depressive symptoms in children are based on two different ways. One is talk therapy and the other is psychiatric medication. Both these ways are effective if used alone. However, the effectiveness doubles if these are combined and then applied.

Conclusion!

Depressive disorder in childhood is a severe disease, which has symptoms like chronic dysphoria, increased irritability, and reduced desire to communicate with peers. CBT and antidepressants such as SSRIs must be initiated as soon as possible in patients with major psychotic disorders. As much as depression cannot be prevented, certain episodes can be prevented and children should be encouraged to share whatever is troubling them with their parents and caretakers. Additionally, parents should ensure that they compensate the children by taking them out for a vacation or buying them good stuff after they have noticed the signs of depression in them. So, if you are worried about your child’s mental health state and doubt that they are struggling with major depressive disorder, then now is the ideal time for you to consult with the best mental health experts at Orange Coast Psychiatry today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Although depression cannot always be prevented, specific protective factors may decrease the risk. Some of the effective ways can be providing a positive home environment, helping the child to have enough sleep, using physical activities and supporting healthy coping strategies.

Absolutely, there is hope for children suffering from depression to recover by receiving the necessary therapy and encouragement. Children with severe manifestation of depressive symptoms can benefit from a continuation of therapy, medication, and may require their families’ support.

If left untreated, depression has potential negative effects such as in academic achievement it results in failure, social withdrawal, there is a high likelihood of substance use, and suicidal ideation increases. These complications may be prevented together with enhancing the quality of life of the child by early intervention.

Reference and Footnotes

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Richard Samedra.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

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Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
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Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry
Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.
With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

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Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.
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Griselda Hernandez

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“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”

Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.

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Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.