Although it is rare, childhood depression is a very real and serious anxiety disorder that affects approximately one in twenty children in the United States.

Most often, it is due to factors in the environment or a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms so that diagnosis and treatment can be implemented.

Getting the help of a team of medical professionals who are trained in mood disorders in children will put the child on the road to healing

Symptoms of childhood depression include irritability and anger, sleep disturbance, and feelings of sadness.

Depression symptoms lasting more than two weeks is indicative of this mood disorder. Diagnosis is made by a mental health professional who will conduct a thorough physical evaluation, as well as psychological testing to determine the type of mood disorder and to what extent it exists.

Treatment consists of psychotherapy in private or group sessions, and prescription anti-depression medications. Treatment can take place as an outpatient or inpatient setting if necessary.

Teen depression is characterized by sadness, feelings of discouragement and worthlessness, and disinterest in activities that were previously enjoyed.

Symptoms may include episodes of acting out, participation in criminal activity, irritability, and sleep disturbance. Diagnosis for teen depression is not much different than it is for childhood depression. It involves getting a medical history in addition to physical and mental health examinations.

Treatment for teenage depression is comprised of psychotherapy sessions with a mental health professional and anti-depressant drugs.

It is crucial that medications are taken as prescribed to avoid exacerbation and prevent complications.

The first step in dealing with depression is recognizing the symptoms and getting help.

Family and friends can provide a loving support system that will aid in the process of overcoming depression. It is important to foster open lines of communication between the parent and the depressed child, allowing for the expression of pent up feelings the child may need to share with significant others.

The parent should listen with uninterrupted compassion and understanding, and not exert any undue emotional burdens that could disrupt progress in overcoming depression.

Statistically, twenty percent of teens will experience bouts of depression before entering adulthood.

At various intervals, five percent of children exhibit evidence of a mood disorder. It is believed that one in thirty-three children are depressed. Everyone has a blue mood every now and then. However, low moods that last for two weeks or longer indicates that it is most likely depression.

It will be necessary to contact a mental health professional for help with symptoms of depression.

The types of depression are many, and each has it's own set of variables related to symptoms, the causes, and the impact it has on a child's life. Knowing what form of depression your child has will assist in the management of depression symptoms to get the most benefit from treatment.

If you are the parent of a child who has been showing signs and symptoms of depression, you must seek help immediately for proper diagnosis and symptom management.