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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Depression in Children
      Category : Health Centers > Depression

Depression in Children

Alternate Names : Childhood Depression

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

Depression is a medical condition that leads to intense feelings of sadness or despair. These feelings don't go away on their own. They are not necessarily related to a particular life event.

What is going on in the body?

Depression is a disorder of the brain. Researchers believe that chemicals called neurotransmitters are involved in depression. Nerve impulses cause the release of neurotransmitters from one nerve cell, or neuron, to the next. This release allows cells to communicate with one another. Too little or too much of these important neurotransmitters may be released and cause or contribute to depression. Some of the neurotransmitters believed to be linked to depression are serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There are many theories about what causes depression. Depression may be caused by any of these things:

  • certain illnesses
  • certain medications, including antibiotics and medicines used to treat acne
  • changes in brain chemicals
  • heredity
  • hormonal changes
  • lack of sunlight
  • major stresses
  • negative thinking patterns
  • Following are some common risk factors for depression in children:

  • abuse or neglect
  • alcohol abuse
  • chronic illness, such as diabetes
  • cigarette smoking
  • divorce of parents
  • drug abuse and addiction
  • family history of depression
  • learning disabilities
  • low self-esteem
  • major trauma, such as a natural disaster
  • other psychiatric disorders, such as attention deficit disorder or adolescent conduct disorder

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    Next section

       

    Depression in Children: Symptoms & Signs

    Author: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 09/25/01



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