Can Babies Be Depressed? Causes, Symptoms And Treatment Of Baby Depression (Paediatric Depression)

Symptoms Of Depression In Infants And Children

Symptoms of depression in infants and children vary. In many cases, the condition does not receive proper diagnosis and treatment because the symptoms are misdiagnosed as normal emotional and psychological changes. An early focus of medical studies was on "masked" depression. A child's depressed mood was evident by acting out or exhibiting anger [2].

While this does occur, especially in younger children, many children display low moods or sadness similar to those exhibited by depressed adults. The primary symptoms of depression include sadness, a sense of hopelessness, and changes in the mood [3].

Signs and symptoms of depression in children include [4]:

• Anger or crankiness
• A persistent feeling of sadness and hopelessness
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Greater sensitivity to rejection
• A change in appetite, either an increase or decrease
• Sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or excessive sleep)
• Crying or vocal outbursts
• Concentration difficulties
• Low energy and fatigue
• A physical complaint such as stomach-aches and headaches that does not respond to treatment
• Trouble at home or with friends, in school, during extracurricular activities, or with other hobbies or interests
• A feeling of worthlessness or guilt
• Impaired concentration or thinking
• Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of death

Some children do not exhibit all of these symptoms. In truth, most people exhibit different symptoms at different times and in different environments.

Causes Of Depression In Infants And Children

Depression in infants and children can be caused by any combination of factors related to physical health, life events, family history, environment, genetic vulnerability, and biochemical changes. Depressive disorders are not passing moods, nor are they conditions that will disappear without proper treatment [5].

Babies learn a lot about their emotions from those around them, so if a parent suffers from depression, the baby is more likely to develop depression. Children born into poor or abusive households are also at increased risk.

Complications Of Depression In Infants And Children

Despite the fact that some kids may continue to do fairly well in structured environments, most kids with significant depression will suffer a noticeable change in social activities, a loss of interest in school, poor academic performance, or a change in appearance [6]. In addition, children may begin using drugs or alcohol, particularly if they are over 12 years old [7].

In spite of the fact that suicide attempts are relatively uncommon in children under the age of 12, young children do attempt suicide sometimes. They may do so impulsively if they are upset or angry. Suicide risk is higher for children who have experienced violence, alcohol abuse, or physical or sexual abuse in the family and those who suffer from depression.

Diagnosis Of Depression In Infants And Children

According to the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (the DC:0-3R), the following five conditions should be met in order for a diagnosis of depression to be made in an infant [8]:

• The child's emotional and behavioural patterns must be different from what is typical for the child.
• The mood must be depressed or irritable every day, for the majority of the day, for at least two weeks.
• A depressive disorder should manifest itself in more than one activity and within more than one relationship.
• There must be symptoms that cause the child distress, impair their functioning, and/or interfere with their development.
• The symptoms must not be caused by a general medical condition, medication, or environmental toxins.

Treatment And Management Of Depression In Infants And Children

Though medications and therapy are not administered to young children, a psychotherapist can work with you to help you understand and meet your baby's needs so they feel secure and safe. Additionally, music therapy and infant massage may prove beneficial in treating depression [9][10].

The following interventions should be considered:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Group psychotherapy
• Pharmacotherapy
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy
• Interpersonal therapy
• Behaviour therapy
• Family therapy
• Supportive psychotherapy

On A Final Note...

Depression is often regarded as an adult problem. However, according to studies, one in 40 infants suffers from depression.