Depression in Children

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• What is major depression?
• What are the symptoms of major depression?
• Services, support and resources

What is major depression?

Major depression, also known as clinical depression, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs. It has become a serious medical condition and important health concern in this country.

Learn more about major depression

What are the symptoms of major depression?

The following are the most common symptoms of major depression. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness
• Feeling hopeless or helpless
• Having low self-esteem
• Feeling inadequate
• Excessive guilt
• Feelings of wanting to die
• Loss of interest in usual activities or activities once enjoyed
• Difficulty with relationships
• Sleep disturbances (for example, insomnia, hypersomnia)
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• A decrease in the ability to make decisions
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Frequent physical complaints (for example, headache, stomachache, fatigue)
• Running away or threats of running away from home
• Hypersensitivity to failure or rejection
• Irritability, hostility, aggression

For a diagnosis of major depression to be made, a child often needs to exhibit a "cluster" (several) of the above symptoms during the same 2-week period. The symptoms of major depression may resemble other problems or psychiatric conditions. Always consult your child's health care provider for a diagnosis.