Studies have shown that about 2.5% of children and 8.3% of adolescents in the U.S. have depression. Individuals with depression may report feeling sad, hopeless, and helpless. They may have sleep disturbance, change in appetite and weight, fatigue, and loss of interest in their usual activities. They may also have difficulty concentrating. Some depressed people have thoughts of suicide, and some have psychosis, which means they have delusions or hallucinations. Children with depression may exhibit more irritability than sadness. They may also be more likely to complain of physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches, compared with older depressed people.
Depression may be treated with psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy commonly used to treat depressed people. This type of therapy addresses the negative thoughts depressed individuals have, because these thoughts can influence their behavior and feelings. Cognitive behavioral therapy also addresses negative behaviors that may have an impact on a depressed person’s thoughts and feelings.
A recent study found that the combination of antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioral therapy was more effective than either alone for depressed adolescents. Recent research has also found a correlation between antidepressant use and suicidal thoughts in depressed children and adolescents. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration placed a black box warning on all antidepressants regarding this. Due to the increased risk, children and adolescents taking these medications should be monitored closely by their prescribing clinician and family.
Sonya Nicole Jones, M.D.
Assistant Professor,
Division of Community Psychiatry,
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,
Vanderbilt University
What's New
Researach study volunteers neededHave you been feeling depressed every day for at least 4 weeks? Are you age 18 to 65 years old? Have you been experiencing such symptoms of depression as feeling worthless, guilty, sad or blue; have you lost interest in things, lack energy and concentration? If so, you may qualify for an outpatient depression clinical research trial. Qualified participants will receive study drug and study related exams at no cost.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Study Coordinator: Barbee Smith
Dept. of Psychiatry
(615) 343-2009
Email: barbee.smith@vanderbilt.edu
Books
"Sad Days, Glad Days: A Story About Depression"
Look in the sections below for a description of these materials. Families can borrow our resources for two weeks. Call the JLFRC for more information at (615) 936-2558.
Related Vanderbilt Links
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry The Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, provides assessment and treatment of behavioral and psychiatric issues affecting children and adolescents, addressing the neurobiology, psychopathology, and psychodynamic needs of this age group.
Childhood Depression Sourcebook, The By Jeffrey A. Miller Lincolnwood, IL: Lowell House, 1998. Library of Congress Number: RJ506.D4M55 1998 Category: Specific Chronic Health Condition
This publication provides a comrehensive, up-to-date summary of this common emotional disturbance in children. It is a valuable resource for teachers, parents, and providers of health and mental services.
Help Me, I'm Sad: Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Childhood and Adolescent Depression By David G. Fassler, Lynn S. Dumas New York, NY: Penguin Books, 1998. Pages: 210 Library of Congress Number: RJ506.S4 F37 1998 Category: Specific Chronic Health Condition
Dr. Fassler, a practicing child and adolescent psychologist and associate professor at the University of Vermont has put his years of experience into this comprehensive, compassionate look at childhood depression. This book is filled with case studies to illustrate chapters on spotting signs and symptoms, clinical depression and suicide among children, and provides charts, lists of information sources, and extensive advice on “parenting for resiliency” as a means of preventing childhood depression. A list of organizations and resources nationwide and a list of additional readings follow.
Lonely, Sad and Angry: A Parent's Guide to Depression in Children and Adolescents By Barbara D. Ingersoll, Sam Goldstein New York, NY: Main Street Books, 1995. Pages: 225 Library of Congress Number: RJ506.D4 I54 1995 Category: Specific Chronic Health Condition
Ingersoll and Goldstein have created a handbook, aide and guide for parents who suspect their child might be depressed. The book explains the difference between temporary sadness in childhood and clinical depression. The book covers many topics: causes of depression, courses of action – including emergency intervention – and what to look for in the future for children who suffer from depression. The book also includes various appendices to help parents keep track of behavioral changes in children.
More Than Moody By Harold Koplewicz New York, NY: Perigee Book, 2003. Pages: 366 Library of Congress Number: RJ506.D4K67 2002 Category: Specific Chronic Health Condition
This book offers parents and professionals a detailed explanation of warning signs and clues that their adolescent child may be at risk for or may be suffering from depression. Authored by a distingued child and adolescent psychiatrist, the book also outlines a broad line of treatment options and contains real-life stories to help the reader better understand depression.
No One Saw My Pain By Andrew Slaby, Lili Frank Garfinkel New York, NY: W.W. Norton, 1994. Category: Specific Chronic Health Condition
"An important and insightful book for parents, teachers, and anyone who works with adolescents. This book should help parents face up to their adolescents' need for support and understanding in time.
Parent's Guide to Childhood and Adolescent Depression, A By Patricia Gottlieb Shapiro, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia New York, NY: Dell Publishing, 1994. Pages: 172 Library of Congress Number: RJ506.D4 S49 1994 Category: Specific Chronic Health Condition
This book, part of the series of parent’s guides from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, offers parents a chance to learn about childhood depression. The book explains how to prepare for visiting a mental health professional, diagnosis, different types of treatments, what to look for in recovery, and how to increase the quality of life in a family with a child who is clinically depressed. The book closes with advice on developing support systems and what the future holds for the families of children suffering from childhood depression.
Straight Talk About Psychiatric Medications for Kids By Timothy E. Wilens New York, NY: The Guilford Press, 2004. Library of Congress Number: RJ504.7.W54 2004 Category: Specific Chronic Health Condition
A 'how-to' for anyone whose child is receiving medication for a mental health condition. This book empowers caregivers to manage their child's care more effectively. "Reader-friendly and empathetic in tone."
Understanding Teenage Depression New York, NY: Henry Holt, 2001. Pages: 250 Library of Congress Number: RJ506.D4E47 2001 Category: Specific Chronic Health Condition
Is your teenager depressed or could the problem be a medical condition? This book will help you understand what the symptoms are and will give insights as to how you can determine the best care for your child. Offering real-life vignettes that describe a variety of situations, this book also discusses which teens are at the greatest risk for becoming depressed, pharmacological treatments, suicide prevention, hospitalization and includes a resource & support group listing.
Understanding Your Teenager's Depression By Kathleen McCoy New York, NY: Perigee Books, 1994. Pages: 346 Library of Congress Number: RJ506.D4 M32 1994 Category: Specific Chronic Health Condition
First published in 1982 under the title "Coping With Teenage Depression," this volume remains an essential handbook for parents concerned about their teen’s mental health. The book provides the basic facts about teenage depression, as well as the signs and signals of teen depression, how to approach your adolescent’s school problems, teenage sexuality issues, medical concerns, substance abuse and other risky behaviors. The book also discusses the difficult topic of teenage suicide and how best to help families and friends. McCoy ends this helpful and hopeful book with advice on finding professional help and the best way to make use of treatment options to help teens overcome depression.
This website is from the New York University Child Study Center, which works to understand childhood mental health issues through research and treatment. The website has articles about parenting, mental health, the CSC's programs, and books to read. The articles contain information divided by age, theme, and disorder or issue.
This website offers tips and advice for reaching out to children who have a parent with a mental illness. Topics include how to encourage kids to talk, making them feel good about themselves, helping kids respond to others and answers to some common questions. The kids' section of the website has advice on coping, quizzes about mental health, and medical frequently asked questions. In addition, there is a space for kids and teens to tell their stories, and suggests ways kids can reach out to others in their communities.
This site contains information about depression in children. It contains articles, brochures, books, fact sheets and summaries related to this topic. The articles discuss depression signs,symptoms and depression and college.
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support, and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorders. NAMI is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to the improvement of the quality of life of all whose lives are affected by these diseases. This website offers information about depression and related issues. It describes depression and the signs of early onset depression, gives the facts about coexisting illnesses, describes what parents and caregivers can do, and suggests places where families and caregivers can go to receive help. There is also a toll-free helpline available as another resource for those who need additional help.
This site contains some general information about mental health concerns. It also provides some fact sheets and links to organizations dealing in depression, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, substance abuse, and other issues for children and adolescents.
This website offers information and resources on mental illnesses and provides news and event updates, information on clinical trials, and funding opportunities. The site contains publications, educational materials, fact sheets, and statistics on mental health issues from autism and depression to social phobias, including a section on child and adolescent mental health. The material is available in English and Spanish.
This site details depression and bipolar disorder. It describes symptoms for childhood depression, what causes depression, how it is diagnosed and what to do if you suspect a problem. There are also links to related articles and additional resources and an interactive quiz about depression.
Community Services
Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee 2416 21st Avenue South, Suite 201 Nashville, TN 37212 Phone: (615) 269-5355 Toll-Free: (800) 758-1638 Fax: (615) 269-5413 E-mail: forinfo@mhamt.org Website: http://www.ichope.com
The Mental Health Association in Nashville offers many services and programs including the "Parents Networking for Children" group for parents of children and teens with severe emotional and behavioral disorders.
Nashville Alliance For The Mentally Ill (NAMI Nashville) 1101 6TH Ave N Ste 107 Nashville, TN 37208-2650 Phone: (615)259-7591 Fax: (615) 259-7594 Website: http://www.nami-nashville.org
The Nashville Alliance for the Mentally Ill is a non-profit organization that is committed to improving the quality of life for people with biological brain disorders and their families. The organization:
1) Provides emotional support to families through personal contact and support meetings and by linking new families with experienced families.
2) Shares information and provides education regarding the nature of these disorders, coping strategies, educational material, and consumer information about what works and what does not.
3) Advocates for improved public understanding, improved services, and increased research into the causes and cures of these disorders.
4) Conducts meetings twice a month:
WHEN: The group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month for an educational program,
WHERE: West End Church of Christ, 3534 West End at I-440.-Activities Building
TIME: 7:15 pm-refreshments and fellowship. At 7:30 pm the meeting begins and finishes promptly at 9:00pm.
Vanderbilt Respond, a service located at the Psychiatric Hospital at Vanderbilt, provides free, confidential clinical assessments to families and/or individuals who may be experiencing emotional, behavioral and/or substance abuse-related problems. Recommendations for the appropriate level of care needed for the family/individual are made.
Organizations
Depression & Related Affective Disorders Association (DRADA) 2330 West Joppa Rd., Suite 100 Lutherville, MD 21093 Phone: (410) 583-2919 Fax: (410) 583-2964 E-mail: drada@jhmi.edu Website: http://www.drada.org/
The Depression and Related Affective Disorders Association (DRADA)is affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, and offers education and information about affective disorders, assists support groups of individuals with affective disorders and family members, publishes a quarterly newsletter, "Smooth Sailing," and provides information and materials for teens about depression.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Colonial Place Three, 2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300 Arlington, VA 22201-3042 Phone: (703) 524-7600 Toll-Free: (800) 950-6264 Fax: (703) 524-9094 Website: http://www.nami.org/
NAMI provides support, education, and advocacy for services to families with mental illness. NAMI also provides support for research into the causes and treatments of severe mental illnesses. This organization works to help those with mental illnesses get successful diagnosis and treatment. The toll free helpline is available for those who are concerned that they might be depressed, and it is staffed by trained professionals who can suggest resources, answer questions and provide information about local groups, including those specifically for teens. NAMI's advocacy and outreach includes efforts for the homeless, for veterans, and multiculteral concerns. The website for NAMI has articles and information available in Spanish and English.
National Foundation For Depressive Illness, Inc. P.O. Box 2257 New York, NY 10116 Phone: (800) 239-1265 Toll-Free: (800) 239-1265 Fax: (212) 268-4434 Website: http://www.depression.org
This organization educates the public about depression, provides callers with a recorded announcement about the symptoms and treatment of depression and manic depression, and tells them how to send for a complete information packet, including a referral list (by state) of doctors who specialize in treating depression and a list of local support groups.
National Mental Health Association 2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor Alexandria, VA 22311 Phone: (703) 684-7722 Toll-Free: (800) 969-6642 Fax: (703) 684-5968
Started in 1909 to raise awareness about mental health, NMHA is the oldest such organization in the United States. With the goals of education, treatment, reducing the stigma of mental illness, advocacy, research and service, the NMHA has programs for many different needs. State-level affiliates have programs suited to geographic areas. The NMHA and its affiliates serve their communities by organizing self-help and support groups for consumers and family members, providing information and referral services, and assisting individuals in obtaining desired dervices and protecting their rights. The organization also monitors and evaluates mental health service providers, educates and lobbys elected officials about the needs of people with mental illnesses, and sponsers public educational forums on mental health issues.
Resources for: Children and Teens (according to age range)
Sad Days, Glad Days: A Story About Depression By DeWitt Hamilton Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company, 1995. Library of Congress Number: RJ506.D4 H36 1995 Category: Specific Chronic Health Condition
In Amanda Martha's house, some days are more happy and other days are more sad because her mom has depression. Amanda Martha has always wanted a cat but her mom's illness prevents the family of having one. Yet, Amanda Martha continues to persist. A pet goldfish comes first, but eventually a cat does walk into Amanda Martha's life in a special way.
Teens
Chicken Soup For the Teenage Soul on Tough Stuff Deerfield, Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc. Pages: 328 Library of Congress Number: BJ1661.C296 2001; C:2 Category: Coping
This book is from the popular "Chicken Soup For the Soul" book series and focuses on the "tough" aspects of growing up. Although this volume addresses difficult topics, the stories offer inspiration and hope and can be a positive guide for someone experiencing similar issues.
Topics include stories and lessons on self-acceptance, drugs and alcohol, death and dying, tragedy, suicide, eating disorders and growing up.
Teens
Depression Is the Pits, But I'm Getting Better By E. Jane Garland Washington, DC: Magination Pess, 1997. Pages: 90 Library of Congress Number: RJ506.D4 G37 1997 Category: Specific Chronic Health Condition
Written for teens who are concerned about depression, this book covers many helpful topics about depression. Information regarding diagnosis, treatments, medication, coping skills, and getting “back to normal” make the book comprehensive and easy-to-read. Two personal stories and a list of resources complement the basic information.
Teens
Power To Prevent Suicide, The By Richard Nelson Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing Inc, 1994. Library of Congress Number: HV6546.N45 1994 Category: Coping
The Power to Prevent Suicide is written as a guide for teenagers to help other teenagers who have expressed suicidal thoughts. It educates them to recognize the warning signs, how to reach out to them, and how to ask for outside help.
Teens
When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens By Bev Cobain Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 1998. Pages: 164 Library of Congress Number: RJ506.D4 C6 1998 Category: Specific Chronic Health Condition
This inspiring book is excellent for teens who are suffering from depression. Written by a cousin of Kurt Cobain, a rock star and victim of suicide in the early 1990’s, the book is divided into two parts; the first involves diagnosis and the second involves treatment and staying well. Depression is common and can be treated successfully. This book covers personal stories from teens, survival tips and resources for more information.
14-up
No One Saw My Pain By Andrew Slaby, Lili Frank Garfinkel New York, NY: W.W. Norton, 1994. Category: Specific Chronic Health Condition
"An important and insightful book for parents, teachers, and anyone who works with adolescents. This book should help parents face up to their adolescents' need for support and understanding in time.
15-up
Living When a Young Friend Commits Suicide Or Even Starts Talking About It By Earl Grollman, Max Malikow Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1999. Pages: 109 Library of Congress Number: HV6546.G76 1999 Category: Coping
Unfortunately,as the suicide rate among teenagers and young adults has increased, the likelyhood that you or your child will know someone who commits suicide has also increased. This book offers help for the teenager or young adult coping with this tragic yet all too common situation. From the first days after a death to letting go and moving on, this book covers the myriad of emotions and questions that accompany a suicide.
Videos
1-5 years
I Feel: A Child's Guide Through the World of Emotions By Lucille Production Lucille Productions Inc., 1994. Length: 25 minutes Library of Congress Number: BF:723.E6 I5 1994
Four emotions- happiness, sadness, anger, and love- are described by showing children in four different settings. The enclosed pamphlet helps parents and educators in teaching children about understanding feelings and developing verbal and non-verbal communication. A viewer's guide is available.
This website offers tips and advice for reaching out to children who have a parent with a mental illness. Topics include how to encourage kids to talk, making them feel good about themselves, helping kids respond to others and answers to some common questions. The kids' section of the website has advice on coping, quizzes about mental health, and medical frequently asked questions. In addition, there is a space for kids and teens to tell their stories, and suggests ways kids can reach out to others in their communities.
This website for kids and teens has articles on a variety of subjects including bullies, depression, family therapy, AD/HD and a long list of phobias. There are links to pages for adults, which older kids and teens might find useful, and links to other websites.
This article talks about sadness and why some kids, who feel sad for a long time, have depression. The site points out different causes of sadness and depression – like the death of a loved one, moving, divorce, and teasing at school, but the article also describes the signs and symptoms of depression, and has links to other resources.
Teens
Depressed Teens http://www.depressedteens.com Author: The Rodwell Dart Memorial Foundation, DRADA, and Johns Hopkins University
This website presents information about teens and depression, including signs, resources, and links to organizations and websites. This website focuses on an educational video about depression, but also includes useful information and resources.
This detailed article from KidsHealth explains depression in a way that makes sense to teens and addresses a variety of issues about depression. The article describes some of the causes and symptoms of depression, what happens in the brain, and how to get help. The site also has links to similar articles and to other resources for teens.
This site contains information about depression in children. It contains articles, brochures, books, fact sheets and summaries related to this topic. The articles discuss depression signs,symptoms and depression and college.
This detailed website from the Center for Young Women’s Health offers extensive information in an easy to read format, and explains the symptoms of depression, some of the causes and treatment options. The site also lists a variety of coping strategies for people who think they might be depressed.
Community Services
All Ages
Nashville Alliance For The Mentally Ill (NAMI Nashville) 1101 6TH Ave N Ste 107 Nashville, TN 37208-2650 Phone: (615)259-7591 Fax: (615) 259-7594 Website: http://www.nami-nashville.org
The Nashville Alliance for the Mentally Ill is a non-profit organization that is committed to improving the quality of life for people with biological brain disorders and their families. The organization:
1) Provides emotional support to families through personal contact and support meetings and by linking new families with experienced families.
2) Shares information and provides education regarding the nature of these disorders, coping strategies, educational material, and consumer information about what works and what does not.
3) Advocates for improved public understanding, improved services, and increased research into the causes and cures of these disorders.
4) Conducts meetings twice a month:
WHEN: The group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month for an educational program,
WHERE: West End Church of Christ, 3534 West End at I-440.-Activities Building
TIME: 7:15 pm-refreshments and fellowship. At 7:30 pm the meeting begins and finishes promptly at 9:00pm.
Vanderbilt Respond, a service located at the Psychiatric Hospital at Vanderbilt, provides free, confidential clinical assessments to families and/or individuals who may be experiencing emotional, behavioral and/or substance abuse-related problems. Recommendations for the appropriate level of care needed for the family/individual are made.
Organizations
All Ages
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Colonial Place Three, 2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300 Arlington, VA 22201-3042 Phone: (703) 524-7600 Toll-Free: (800) 950-6264 Fax: (703) 524-9094 Website: http://www.nami.org/
NAMI provides support, education, and advocacy for services to families with mental illness. NAMI also provides support for research into the causes and treatments of severe mental illnesses. This organization works to help those with mental illnesses get successful diagnosis and treatment. The toll free helpline is available for those who are concerned that they might be depressed, and it is staffed by trained professionals who can suggest resources, answer questions and provide information about local groups, including those specifically for teens. NAMI's advocacy and outreach includes efforts for the homeless, for veterans, and multiculteral concerns. The website for NAMI has articles and information available in Spanish and English.
This website offers information and resources on mental illnesses. The site explains the organization and function of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and provides news and event updates, information on clinical trials, and funding opportunities. The site contains publications, educational materials, fact sheets, and statistics on mental health issues from autism and depression to social phobias, including a section on child and adolescent mental health. The material is available in English and Spanish.
Please notify us if you have corrections to any information presented on this health topic.
All information on this website is for educational purposes only. Specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatments can only be given by your personal health care professionals
