Childhood Depression

Childhood Depression is a type of mood (or “affective”) disorder, major depression, goes far beyond the typical feelings of sadness that a child might experience. Instead, major depression is a persistently sad or irritable mood that affects a child’s thinking and behavior at home, in school, and with peers. - The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Deep Dive into Childhood Depression

EVIDENCE-BASED INFORMATION

About Childhood Depression

Research suggests that major depression has a strong genetic component given that the illness can be passed on from one generation to the next. However, it’s important to note that children don’t always develop depression simply because their parents have it. Many children develop depression even when there is no family history of the illness. For more information, visit CHOP Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences webpage.

Maryland Treatment Centers

The University of Maryland Medical Center offers Child and Adolescent Psychiatry services. They have a multidisciplinary team that provides rapid assessment and treatment. For more information, visit the University of Maryland Medical Center Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department.