Understanding depression in children

Why does a child fall into depression?
Why does a child fall into depression?
The depressive episode: a stage in the development of the child

A child may experience depressive moods related to his normal development1,2. For example, it is possible that he starts to find immature behaviors (when he no longer supports separation from his parents, in particular). These phases are transient and can occur until the entry into puberty.

Reaction depression in children

Sometimes the psychological balance of the child is disturbed by external events. Infantile depression can be caused by difficulties in adapting to a change, so-called reactional depression1. It is most often the separations which are at the origin of reactive disorders in the child, because it is very sensitive there, that it is about the separation of his parents, of a death, of a move from entrance to school ... Research reveals a significant link between the number of stressful events and the development of depressive disorders in children3.

Predisposing factors for depressive disorders in children

Internal factors of predisposition to depression in children

The first factors are of internal origin, that is, the child may be more sensitive to anxiety. This is often the case of the inhibited (shy) child that has been studied. Research has shown that 61 per cent of 13-year-olds with some inhibition by the age of two showed clear signs of anxiety4.

The child may also have a condition that makes him or her more vulnerable to depression, such as emotional delay, increased sensitivity to separation or loss, or fear of dropping out1.

External factors predisposing to depression in children

Some factors can also be environmental. As such, the link between the depression of the mother and that of her child has often been observed. It turns out that depressed mothers are generally less attentive and less responsive to their child's needs5. However, there is a link between the depressive behavior of the mother and the development of anxiety disorders or depression in children6. They are actually bad examples in terms of negative mood regulation or problem solving. Although studies focus mainly on the mother, a depressed father would also have a negative impact on the child's mental health7. At the same time, single parenthood, conflicting parenting relationships, emotional deprivation and, even more so, ill-treatment, would upset the psychological balance of the child. Conversely, a reassuring framework, family cohesion, a healthy parent-child relationship are factors that can prevent childhood depression.