| FACT: | Childhood depression is a medical disease. |
| FACT: | If childhood depression is not prevented or caught early and properly treated, the risk for relapse is very high, with each successive episode growing more severe. (Source: National Institute of Mental Health) |
| FACT: | Depressed children have a 40% to 60% chance of experiencing adult depression, compared to a 27% chance in non-depressed children. (Source: Harrington, R., et al. "Adult Outcomes of Childhood and Adolescent Depression." Archives of General Psychiatry 47 May 1990). |
| FACT: | If a parent is depressed, his or her child, depressed or not, has a 40% to 70% chance of experiencing depression, anxiety, oppositional or conduct problems, or drug /alcohol abuse or dependency by the time the child reaches adulthood. (Source: Goodman and Gotlib, eds., Children of Depressed Parents, American Psychological Assoc., 2002). |
What Can A Parent Do?
- Educate yourself about childhood depression.
- If you, the parent, are depressed, seek treatment.
- If you are concerned about your child, have him or her evaluated by your primary care physician and/or a licensed mental health professional.
Resources to Help
Basco, Monica Ramirez. The Bipolar Workbook. The Guilford Press, 2006.
Fassler, David G. and Dumas, Lynne S. "Help Me, I'm Sad." Penguin Books, 1997.
Greenberger, Dennis and Padesky, Christine. Mind Over Mood: The Workbook.
The Guilford Press, 1995.
Hockey, Kathleen P. Raising Depression-Free Children. Hazelden, 2003.
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