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Depression is an illness that is no respecter of age. It can attack children as young as four or five as well as teens and adults. The symptoms of depression are different in children than they are in adults. They can include, but are not limited to, irritability, rage, physical complaints such as stomach aches, headaches, and dizziness; bedwetting, nightmares and aggressive behavior.
If you suspect your child is depressed, it is vital that you get help for your child. Depression is an illness that is treatable and curable in most cases. There are five main categories of depression, each with different causes and factors.
MANIC DEPRESSION (also known as bipolar I and bipolar II) is usually an inherited disease. Scientists have discovered this kind of depression usually runs in families and can be traced to previous generations. Manic depression cycles between very low depressive periods coupled with manic high episodes. These can overlap at times, thus making the diagnosis difficult. Usually behavior during manic high periods includes high excitability, rapid speech, hyperactiviand fearless behavior (thinks one can fly like Superman or be like a super hero). Some bipolar patients actually hear voices telling them what to do and how to behave. Children as young as five have been diagnosed with manic depression. This is the only form of depression that there is no known cure for. It can be controlled, however, most of the time with medication. If manic depression runs in your family and your child starts displaying some of the symptomatic behaviors, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
