Many children have fears and worries, and may feel sad and hopeless from time to time. Strong fears may appear at different times during development. For example, toddlers are often very distressed about being separated from their primary caregiver, even if they are safe and cared for. Although fears and worries are typical in children, persistent or extreme forms of fear and sadness could be due to anxiety or depression. Young children who are experiencing symptoms of depression may also be emotionally dysregulated and often have physical complaints such as stomach pains, headaches, disrupted or excessive sleep, and motor control difficulty. While the causes of depression are unknown, a predisposition for it runs in families and it can be triggered by trauma and adverse life circumstances.
Diagnosing depression involves a psychiatric evaluation and physical tests to determine whether a the child's symptoms are actually being caused by a different disorder. Every case is unique and requires individual attention, but there are a number of effective complementary ways of treating depression in young children including:
- Play therapy
- Parent Education and Training
- Family Therapy
- Behavioral Therapy