Depression

Depression will affect up to 20% of us at any one time. In the adult it is a disease characterised by inappropriate feelings of sadness, worthlessness and hopelessness, with sensations of guilt and foreboding. There is associated fatigue. Appetite changes, sleep is disturbed, and there is disordered perception of surrounding life events, with marked pessimism and paranoia. There are often suicidal thoughts.

True depressive illness in childhood is rare but can produce a child who is withdrawn and who may be mute. Specialist attention from a child psychiatrist might be required.

In adolescence depression, as opposed to mere sadness, can result from adverse social events (bullying, parental divorce) or arise from out the blue. There is social withdrawal, an inability to interact, and impairment of academic performance, possibly exaggerated separation anxiety, weeping, anger, anti-social behaviour and running away from home. There may be suicidal gestures (some of which, tragically, succeed). Treatment involves cognitive psychological therapy, and, where appropriate, anti-depressants.
 
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