Causes of Childhood Depression

by Yvette Sajem

Overview

Causes of Childhood Depression

Twenty years ago, depression in children was barely recognized. Today, it is not only recognized, but is taken quite seriously as a dangerous condition. The age of onset for childhood depression has dropped rapidly, and doctors are seeing more and more cases--both boys and girls--of major depression and other mental disorders in young children. Typically, there is no one cause for the onset of childhood depression, but rather it is brought on by a combination of internal (genetics or illness) and external (life events) factors.
Family History

According to one study (Wang and Crane, 2001), if a child is living with a depressed parent or parents, he is likely to become depressed. Additionally, children with a family history of mental disorders are at a higher risk for developing depression.

Causes of Childhood Depression

Family Instability

Children who are exposed to a turbulent home environment, or who are exposed to physical, sexual or verbal abuse, are at risk for depression.
Medical Problems

Children who suffer from a chronic condition such as diabetes or asthma, or a serious illness such as cancer, are more susceptible to developing depression.

Causes of Childhood Depression
Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Neurological and learning disorders can predispose children to depression, because the same brain chemicals are impacted. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, autism or Tourette's syndrome all put children at risk for depression.
Life Events

A traumatic life event, like parents divorcing, the death of a parent, sibling or beloved pet, or moving can all trigger depression in a child.

Causes of Childhood Depression
Television

According to Healthy Place.com, recent studies show that children who watch more than 6 hours of television per day are more likely to develop problems with aggression, anxiety and depression.