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Experts Warn Parents of Toddler Depression

Children as young as 3 may need help

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 4, 2009 3:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – Some toddlers who seem cranky or sad could be suffering from chronic depression, PsychCentral reports. A new study finds that some children as young as 3 already show clear symptoms of clinical depression. The condition was most common in children who had suffered abuse or the loss of a parent, and those who came from families with a history of depression.

Researchers say clinical depression is rare in preschoolers, but parents should watch for warning signs like a loss of appetite, a preoccupation with guilt, or sleep problems, and should seek advice from professionals. Experts—some of whom are skeptical about the new research—say that while early treatment is important for depression in the very young, psychotherapy should be used before treatment with drugs like Prozac is considered.

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Psychologists increasingly believe that chronic depression can affect children as young as 3. (Shutter Stock)

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Hopefully, studies such as this will help parents, teachers, and pediatricians recognize the signs and symptoms of preschool depression so they make sure young children get the help they need and deserve. - Psychiatry professor David Fassler

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 10 comments

DeniseVB

Aug 4, 2009 11:32 AM CDT

Something else for parents to "worry" about. What about shy kids? This could be tricky.....

Snarfeh

Aug 4, 2009 11:22 AM CDT

I do believe children this young can experience depression, however, I do not think drugs are the answer. I bet Big Pharma funded that study. Bastards. However, my niece was three when her mother died in a car accident. She had a half-sister who went back to her father's custody, so they were split up after their mother's death. We tried to convince the other dad to let his daughter stay with my brother for a little while longer so they could be together, but the man convinced himself we were trying to circumvent his custody. Despite that, we worked with my brother's daughter to get through it. She asked a lot of questions & we answered as truthfully as we could while conveying to her how much her mother loved her & did not leave her on purpose. At one point, she wanted to see a coffin again (@3!), so my mom took her to the funeral home to see one. She saw a pillow in the coffin & asked if her mommy had one of those. My mom said absolutely, and after that, she began to come around & become the carefree child she was meant to be at that age. She would mention her mother from time to time, but with acceptance that she was gone. A lot of love, attention & nurturing without stifling or dismissing the child's feelings while also not catering to the child is what is needed, NOT drugs. Additionally, never discuss things a child should not hear in front of the child. Adults tend to figure a three year old cannot comprehend their conversation or is not paying attention, which is all the more reason not to have it in front of the child. They may not comprehend, but they damn well can hear & they DO listen. When left on their own to interpret what they heard, they can come to incorrect conclusions.

Fiskebolle

Aug 4, 2009 9:54 AM CDT

I agree, let's dope everyone up on..medicine..from a very young age. Parents who refuse are nut jobs and should have their children removed.

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depression • children • mental illness • toddler • preschool

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Experts Warn Parents of Toddler Depression