Symptoms of Depression In Children "I always considered myself, as far back as I can remember from the age of three, four, five certainly by five, just being in a low-level depression, where I often had to fight to function." - cartoonist Jules Feiffer While basic criteria for depression - sleep changes, eating changes, lack of concentration - are present, depressed young people from 3 to 10 years of age don't say they're sad. They don't even appear gloomy. Instead, they're often extremely irritable. Typically, the smallest remark can send a child into a rage. Moods can swing from joy to anger in minutes. Report cards can slip from straight A's to failing. Missed school or poor school performance Changes in eating and sleeping habits Withdrawal from friends and activities once enjoyed Problems with authority Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness Poor self-esteem or guilt Overreaction to criticism Extreme and sudden mood swings from happiness to rage Frequent physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches or other physical pains that seem to have no cause Anger and rage Lack of enthusiasm, low energy, or motivation Changes in activity level, either more lethargic or more hyperactive than usual Recurring thoughts of death or suicide Among children, there is no difference among girls and boys in the rate of depression. Children of adults who have suffered from depression are especially susceptible to the illness. Risk factors including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, chronic illness and the loss of a parent at an early age to death, divorce or abandonment, could predispose children to depression or could "trigger" depressive illness. However, not all abused children become depressed and some children exhibit depressive symptoms at an early age without any risk factors coming into play, indicating that depression may be wholly chemical in some children. For more information on sadness, depression, and anger go the Kidshealth web site. Use the "back" icon to return to this page and this site.   WHAT IS DEPRESSION? | WHO HAS DEPRESSION? TREATMENT OPTIONS | RESOURCES & LINKS ABOUT THIS PROGRAM | DEPRESSION MAIN PAGE BACK TO HEALTHWORKS | RETURN TO TV HOME PAGE © 1999 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.