Depression

(4) Genetics can also be a key factor in diagnosing depression. Depression tends to run in the family. A child with one parent with depression has a 10-13% increase of developing depression. Social environmental factors may also be a cause of depression. (4) .
             Depression in children is caused by several things. It can involve the child's environment, genes, or children with medical problems. The most common causes of depression evolve from children who have been abused, who have chaotic families or households, non-consistent parents, neglect, or other stressful events.(1) Children who experience loss or who have learning disorders are more likely to be diagnosed with depression. If bad things happen to a child and there is a family history of depression, a depressed child is a very likely outcome. Children may show their depression through delinquent behavior. Such as running away from home, reckless driving, stealing, drugs and alcohol. But some youngsters suffer from anxiety, dread, and guilt. (5) .
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             The symptoms of childhood depression are similar to adults, with a few exceptions. Rather than having a depressed mood, children are much more likely to have an irritable mood. Children tend to show their depression more through their behavior. Depressed children often believe that there is nothing they can do to relieve their feelings of depression Adults often will not enjoy anything when they are depressed, but there are usually some activities children and adolescents enjoy doing no matter how depressed they are. The child may feel worried and irritable.(5) More symptoms include fatigue, loss of sleep or more than usual, significant weight gain or loss, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, persistent boredom, change in energy level, drop in school performance, physical complaints, such as a headache or stomachache, and the inability to concentrate or make decisions.