My child mopes a lot and generally seems unhappy. Can children be depressed? If so, what can be done about it?

One of my professors in graduate school specialized in research on childhood depression. I remember her telling us that scientists used to think that children were incapable of being depressed. Now we know that yes, children can be depressed, although the depression sometimes may manifest itself in a different way than in adults. For instance, a depressed adolescent may seem more irritable than sad.

But just like depressed adults, depressed children may experience feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt, lack of interest in usually pleasurable activities, fatigue, loss of appetite (or occasionally, increased appetite), difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbance. Occasionally, the sleep disturbance may take the form of sleeping much more than usual, or "hypersomnia," rather than insomnia. A depressed individual, whether child or adult, may also exhibit what's known as "psychomotor retardation" -- slowed down behavior and speech -- or, sometimes, psychomotor agitation. Children may experience difficulty in school, and withdraw from social activities with friends and family. In adolescents, depression may also express itself in antisocial behavior, grouchiness, or aggression. Depressed children and adolescents can also have suicidal thoughts and attempt suicide.

That's not to say that any irritable, sad, or mopey child is depressed. Again, just like adults, children can have bad moods that pass quickly (although perhaps not quickly enough for their parents). In order to be considered clinically depressed, the depressed or irritable mood must last at least a couple of weeks.

If you're concerned that your child might be depressed, consider seeking a consultation with your pediatrician. You can also have the child evaluated by a psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of children. (Your pediatrician or your state's psychological association may be able to recommend such a psychologist.)

If your child is indeed depressed, individual or family therapy can help. (While children can be prescribed antidepressant medication, I wouldn't recommend it as the first or only intervention.) Children can become depressed in reaction to family problems or other stressors -- again, just like adults. Therapy can help the child learn coping skills, and can help resolve any family or other problems that are affecting the child.