Depression like Birth Defects Can Affect the Child’s Development

Depression in children is a serious condition that should be given attention. Most mental illnesses are difficult to diagnose in children and that includes depression. Depression even in children, is primarily managed with antidepressants. According to research, children could need antidepressants if mothers smoked while pregnant. Information dissemination on childhood depression would be very beneficial as this is not as discussed as depression in adults.

How Will You Know if a Child has Depression?

A specialist is required to diagnose depression in a child but it would be helpful if you would know the signs so you can take the appropriate steps. Some of these signs may not happen to your child but most of the mentioned below are present in children with depression.

•             Emotional Changes

The main symptom of depression is sadness however, not all sadness would immediately mean depression. There is what they call “masked depression” where feelings of depression are manifested as anger or acting out. Almost always, emotional signs would include feelings of sadness, mood swings, feeling of being rejected, being guilty, anger and etc. 

•             Mental Changes

The child may also have changes in thoughts and thinking such as ideas indicating low self-esteem or dislike towards the self. Negative thoughts may also be on the child’s mind frequently. These thoughts may also be suicidal in nature. Suicide is the worst point that a child or anyone with depression, would commit. Be wary of suicidal ideations and always be on the lookout for suicide attempts.

•             Physical changes

Depressed children may also show physical symptoms. Usually, the child feels tired and fatigued to participate in activities. Loss of appetite or sleeping problems can also be seen in children suffering from depression.

·         Behavioral Changes

Changes in behavior can be observed when a child has depression. They withdraw from social interaction and the child easily gets upset over something rather simple. Interests over previous likes or hobbies may be gone. Others may throw temper tantrums over the most simple incidents.

The mentioned signs are the most common that are observed in children with depression. When you noticed that these are happening to your child, you are highly advised to check with your doctor. Your family doctor may do as he/she can refer to you to the appropriate specialist. Depression can affect the child’s development just like Zoloft birth defects so it would be ideal to manage the condition once diagnosed.

References:

•           zoloftsertralinebirthdefects.com/updates/children-could-need-antidepressants-if-mothers-smoked-while-pregnant/

•               webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-children

•               medicinenet.com/depression_in_children/article.htm

•               cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-86-87-90

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