Consult with the pediatricians of Pediatric & Adolescent Care in Gaithersburg, MD if your child needs treatment for depression.

What Are the Signs of Childhood Depression?

Depression does not discriminate. It can affect every single member of the population. Even children are not spared from dealing with that difficult mental disorder.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, around 3 percent of children aged 3 to 17 years old have depression. In the United States, around 3.2 million adolescents have experienced at least one major depressive episode.

You must recognize the fact that your child could be depressed. Watching for the telltale signs of childhood depression will help you better ascertain the true nature of your child’s current mental state.

• Developing a Disinterest in Their Hobbies – Children may try out different hobbies growing up, but they typically don’t drop one out of the blue. If there is no clear explanation for why your child suddenly gave up on a hobby, the reason could be related to depression.
• Change in Sleeping and Eating Habits – Noticeable changes in your child’s sleeping or eating habits could be hinting at a real problem. They could be symptoms that your child is depressed.
• Irritable Attitude – Some children become more irritable due to depression. Even asking innocuous questions could trigger an angry response.
• Harboring Feelings of Sadness – Feeling sad is normal for kids, but if it lingers for a while, it could be symptomatic of a more serious problem.

Get your child examined for depression by our pediatricians at Pediatric & Adolescent Care.

Treating Childhood Depression

Do not downplay the possibility that your child could be suffering from a case of depression. Talk to them about the matter in a non-confrontational manner. Ask them to be honest about how they’re feeling.

If your child is not completely comfortable opening up to you, taking them to a professional for counseling is a good idea. Get to the heart of the problem as soon as possible so a solution can be provided.

In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication for treating childhood depression. Follow the doctor’s instructions so you can help your child effectively.

Seek treatment for childhood depression in Gaithersburg, MD by going to Pediatric & Adolescent Care. Call (301) 869-2292 and set your child’s appointment ASAP.