1. Understanding Depression Slideshow
2. Take the Depression Quiz
3. Benefits of Depression Treatment

In this Article

• What are symptoms of depression in children?
• How can I tell if my child is suicidal?
• What are suicide warning signs in children?
• What causes depression in children?
• Can depression in children be prevented?
• How is depression diagnosed?
• What are the treatment options for depression in children?
• What is the long-term prognosis?
• Communicating with your teen
• Find a local Psychiatrist in your town
• Depression in Children Index

Although relatively rare in youths under 12, young children do attempt suicide -- and may do so impulsively when they are upset or angry.

Suicide is a serious problem within the teenage population. Adolescent suicide is a leading cause of death among youth and young adults in the U.S. It is estimated that 500,000 teens attempt suicide every year with 5,000 succeeding. These are epidemic proportions.

Children with a family history of violence, alcohol abuse, or physical or sexual abuse are at greater risk for suicide, as are those with depressive symptoms.

Parents should be particularly vigilant for signs that may indicate that their child is at risk for suicide. Warning signs of suicidal behavior in children include:

• Many depressive symptoms (changes in eating, sleeping, activities)
• Social isolation
• Talk of suicide, hopelessness, or helplessness
• Increased acting-out of undesirable behaviors (sexual/behavioral)
• Increased risk-taking behaviors
• Frequent accidents
• Substance abuse
• Focus on morbid and negative themes
• Talk about death and dying
• Increased crying or reduced emotional expression
• Giving away possessions

As in adults, depression in children can be caused by any combination of factors that relate to physical health, life events, family history, environment, genetic vulnerability, and biochemical disturbance.

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