Causes

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  According to Healthy Place, depression in school-age children is the result of a combination of three elements: genetics, environmental factors and neurochemical dysfunction (brain chemical imbalance or abnormal brain structure). (Reference 1)
  
  

Risk Factors

• Because every child is different, there are myriad circumstances that can trigger childhood depression. However, researchers have identified certain high risk factors, including a family history of mental illness, physical illness, traumatic life event, physical or sexual abuse, conduct or learning disorder or children living in urban environments. (References 1 and 2)
  
  

Symptoms

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  According to Healthy Place, depressed children, unable to verbalize their feelings, will display their symptoms through behavior. Symptoms include irritability, separation anxiety, phobias, sleep disturbance, headache or other physical pains, poor school performance, excessive crying, negative statements about self and self-destructive behavior. (Reference 1)
  
  

Diagnosis

• Initially, your child's doctor will perform a complete physical to rule out any physical reason for her condition. He will then refer your child to a child psychologist for evaluation and diagnosis. (Reference 1)
  
  

Treatment

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  Your child's psychologist will treat him based on his specific symptoms and needs and the severity of his depression. Typical treatments include drug therapy and psychotherapy (talk therapy). (Reference 3)
  
  

Prognosis

• Fortunately, depression is usually treatable. If you suspect that your child is depressed, don't wait for it to pass. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best first step toward a normal, productive life. (Reference 3)