Saber Psychiatry specializes in evaluating and treating depression in children and teens. All children feel sad or depressed at some time, but according to the Cleveland Clinic, about 3 percent of children and teens ages 3 to 17 have depression. The Cleveland Clinic describes the symptoms and causes of depression in a child as follows:
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of depression in a child?
Depression in children might look different than it does in adults. And it might look different for each child. Signs and symptoms of depression in a child include:
- Mood changes. Your child might seem sadder or more irritable than usual, and they feel this way most of the time.
- Lack of interest in fun activities
- Low energy levels or general tiredness
- Negative self-talk or low self-esteem. You might hear your child say negative things about themselves. They may feel worthless.
- Eating more or less than usual
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
What causes depression in children?
Experts don’t know exactly what causes depression in children and adolescents. But they think that genetics and environmental factors play a role. Depression in children is most likely the result of one or more of the following:
- Genetics and family history (other close biological relatives have depression)
- Physical illness or injury
- Stressful life events like separation, divorce, moving, or the death of someone close to them
- Substance use
- Bullying or exposure to other traumatic experiences
Schedule an Appointment
In 2020, Dr. Sricharan Moturi founded Saber Psychiatry to evaluate and treatmental health conditions in children, adolescents, and adults. Saber Psychiatry is currently accepting new patients ages 2 to 65. Call our offices at 615.678.7839 to schedule an appointment.