News Release
 May 2, 2000

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Kids Get Depression Too
Friends Hospital Recognizes Childhood Depression Awareness Day

As many as six million children and adolescents suffer from clinical depression. It is frightening in its persistence and much more serious than common growing pains. The seriousness of this illness, called clinical depression, is reflected in the statistics - approximately 3 to 6 million American children or one in 33 children and one in eight teens suffer from it, according to the Center for Mental Health Services.

On May 9, Childhood Depression Awareness Day, Friends Hospital, aims to teach families about childhood depression, its symptoms, common behavior associated with depression and the availability of treatment.

"This continuing, overwhelming feeling of sadness limits the child’s, or teenagers’, ability to function normally. Many children who suffer from depression withdraw themselves from friends, recreational activities, and even family members" said Richard Weiner, PhD at Friends Hospital. The millions of children who experience clinical depression are at a high risk for suicide. As a result of this mood disorder, every day 57 children attempt to take their own lives; 18 succeed.

The causes of depression have been linked to imbalances in important chemicals in the brain. "Studies show that children whose biological parents suffer from depression are three times more likely to experience it themselves. Also, family environment can be a cause of depression in children. Drug-dependency, alcoholism, loss of family members through death or divorce, and abuse of either the child or another family member can raise the level of stress, tension or sadness in the household. This, in turn, can lead to depression," Weiner said.

Symptoms of Childhood Depression

• Sadness
• Fatigue
• Hopelessness
•  Low self-esteem
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Inability to concentrate
• Excessive guilt
• Change in sleep patterns
• Change in appetite
• Loss of energy
• Loss of interest in activities
• Helplessness
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Behavior in Children that May Signal Depression

• A sudden drop in school performance
• Outbursts of shouting, complaining or unexplained irritability
• Crying
• Expressions of fear or anxiety
• Aggression, refusal to cooperate, antisocial behavior
• Use of alcohol or other drugs
• Complaints of aching arms, legs or stomach, when no cause can be found
• Inability to sit still, fidgeting, pacing, wringing hands, pulling or rubbing the hair, skin or clothing; in contrast, slowed body movements, monotonous speech or muteness

"Adults must begin to look early for the warning signs," said Weiner. "Childhood depression is highly treatable, but it may be difficult to diagnose. Families may not be aware of the symptoms of depression and may not seek help, or the symptoms of depression may be mistaken for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder."

Friends Hospital's Child and Adolescent Service offers a range of services for young people suffering from emotional and psychiatric illnesses. The program takes a holistic approach to healing, helping the young person to set and achieve goals in social, emotional, and medical areas. The service offers special expertise and therapeutic programs for young people who suffer from the full spectrum of psychiatric disorders, including but not limited to mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic illness, eating disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, post traumatic stress syndrome, and emotional complications related to chronic illness.

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Revised: July 22, 2005