Etiology Of Depression In Children

Etiology of depression in children.

Watts and Markham quoted from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, Text Revised, which defines Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as a "mental illness in which a person consistently experiences deep, unshakable sadness and diminished interest in all activities for a period of at least two weeks." (Watts and Markham, 2005 P1) MDD dramatically impairs an individual's ability to accomplish simple tasks in his or her life. Sometimes individuals with depression have thoughts of committing suicide.

Although depression is commonly associated with adults, it is becoming increasingly common in our youth today. Mental health Practitioners are seeing an increase of children with depression then a previous generations. MDD has a major impact on a child's life. Even a healthy child with no visible signs of depression can suddenly appear depressed, while others progress slowly and become more obvious. (Watts and Markham Sept.2005 P2)

Biological, Psychological, and environmental factors raise questions of etiology. It is very important to recognize gender differences in depression, the role of reproductive hormones factor into the gender role. Knowledge about etiology can help preventative approaches. Before adolescence, equal numbers of boys and girls are depressed. About 10 to 15 percent of all children report moderate to severe signs of depression. By age 13, a dramatic shift occurs, and more than twice as many girls as boys are depressed, a proportion that persists into adulthood. This two-to-one ratio exists regardless of racial or ethnic background and has been reported in

other countries. Although a number of explanations have been proposed, it is not likely that the gender difference is due to only one cause. Research are currently being conducted into the interactive effects of biological, genetic, psycho social and family factors. In many cases there appears to be a genetic component to depression. A study was found that a higher percentage of depression and other mental disorders in the families of people diagnosed with depression than is found in the general population. So in the gender difference most researchers say that a combination of genetic factors and negative life events is more likely to result in depression for girls then boys

Abnormalities in the pre - frontal cortex in the brain have been identified as one of the major causes of depression. It is said that children with no history of MDD and had larger left - sided but not right- sided- "pre - frontal cortical volume" The size of the pre - frontal cortex is a major factor in the onset of MDD. Other causes of dietary deficiencies of B6, B12 and folic acid, degenerative neurological disorders; stroke and certain viral infections, including Hepatitis B and Mononucleosis

Brain Chemicals, or neurotransmitters, also play an important role in regulating mood. Some neurotransmitters that are involved in depression are norepinephrine, or dopamine, and serotonin. Research from the 1960's determined that depression result from lower than normal levels of these chemicals in the brain. Higher than normal levels of Hydrocortisone, and an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can also play a part in MDD.

In recent studies, through cognitive view, individuals with depressive personality traits are vulnerable to MDD, than others. Individuals who regularly behave hostile and impulsive ways, and seek out hostile environments are at greater risk for MDD. "Empirical research in MDD has focused primarily on genetics and significant negative or stressful life events" (Watts and Markham, Sept. 2005 P5)

"Psychologist believe that stressful experiences