Childhood Depression

Results of a recent study have been released that suggest that children as young as three-years old can suffer from depression. Scary thought in many ways.

First and foremost, the thought that someone so young can be depressed is very sad. Especially, since the research would suggest that it will lead to longer-term depression.

Second, how can one distinguish the symptoms of depression (which include poor sleep, irritability, inability to concentrate) from the usual characteristics of a 3-year old (which include poor sleep, irritability, inability to concentrate)? I suspect this may result in children being incorrectly diagnosed with depression. And what does it do to a child to be labeled 'depressed' at such a young age?

Finally, the study did not look at how to treat depression in children and in particular the use of medication in treatment. I suspect the clinical trials for most (if not all) anti-depressants have not included children.

The positive side of all of this, is that if children can truly be clinically depressed, we need to know about it so we can do something about it. As more research is conducted, we should gain greater insight into who is at risk and what can be done to reduce the risk.