Depression in children When to the doctor?

Depression can also occur in childhood

07/10/2014

Depression is not just a problem for adults, but it may even happen during kindergarten, warns Ingo Spitczok von Brisinski of the Professional Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy in Germany (BKJPP). Opposite the news agency „dpa“ explained the specialist, that behind physical complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches in kindergarten children could also be a depression.

In general, children and adolescents, according to the expert, are not protected from depression. However, these are not always recognized as such. Here it is important that the parents interpret the instructions correctly, reports the „dpa“ citing Spitczok of Brisinski. Not only the typical signs of depression such as lack of drive, depressed mood, fears of the future and avoiding social contacts should be considered, but also physical complaints could play a role, explained the specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy on.

Indicate signs of depression correctly
According to Spitczok von Brisinski, infants and toddlers seldom suffer from depression, but pre-primary and primary school age are already much more likely to experience symptoms. With puberty, the frequency increases again significantly, the specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy continues. The symptoms are very different in the different age groups. For example, smaller children would often look for more closeness to their mother. Kindergarten children, however, prefer to retreat more, would like to stay at home, do not feel like doing activities in the group and sometimes develop physical symptoms such as abdominal or headaches, reports the expert. In the case of pupils, however, significantly more declining benefits are to be observed. According to Spitczok von Brisinski, adolescent drowsiness, loss of appetite and weight, as well as daily fluctuations in mood with a depression in the morning may be signs of depression. A pronounced listlessness as well as alcohol and drug use are here possible signs of depression.

At the latest after two weeks consult a doctor
If the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, the expert advises urgently to consult a doctor, who will first clarify whether there may be a physical cause behind the symptoms. If sufferers suffer from extremely pronounced mental health problems, do not see any future prospects, feel worthless or even even think about suicide, according to Spitczok von Brisinski, a child or adolescent psychiatrist should be called in immediately. (Fp)