Depression can Develop in Kids Sooner than Previously Believed, Finds Study Though the symptoms of mental health conditions in children can mimic that of adults, the way to express them may be different. The responsibility of identifying the signs and symptoms of mental disorders in children lies on their parents. However, many adults fail to identify the symptoms because of lack of awareness about the warning signs. It will be wrong to suggest that children are not vulnerable to mental illnesses because they don’t face any kind of stress and burden. Unfortunately, children can experience a wide range of mental disorders that interfere with their daily tasks and relationships with others, such as anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), eating disorders, mood disorders and depression. The early identification of the symptoms of any festering mental illnesses in children not only helps them in coping with the challenges, but also safeguards them from witnessing similar symptoms in future. Generally, early exposure to any form of mental illness often turns out to be one of the regular behavioral patterns. Consequently, it becomes a major hurdle in the way of effectively treating mental health conditions. According to a study, mental illnesses generally begin at the age of 14. However, another recent study, published in the journal Psychological Bulletin, based on examination of studies of more than 3.5 million people across 90 countries, suggested that gender differences in both symptoms and diagnoses of major depression can begin at the age of 12. Gender gap in depression demands attention A meta-analysis, conducted by the researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and co-authored by Janet Hyde and Rachel Salk, looked at the key difference in the diagnosis and symptoms of major depression, particularly at the age of 12. The study found that depression was twice as likely to develop in females while only one-third of males experienced this
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mental disorder. In addition, the researchers discovered a significant gender gap at the age of 12, which is earlier than what has been used in the previous studies. The higher risk of depression in teenage girls was believed to be the consequence of hormonal changes that take place during puberty. However, the researchers advocate the fact that social and environmental factors also play a significant role in the onset of depression. Teenage girls are more prone to experiencing sexual harassment and issues pertaining to body and personality that can contribute to the onset of depression during puberty. Similarly, the researchers also believe that the processes behind the development of depression begin before the age of 12. Therefore, intervention around this age group can help prevent depression among adolescents, especially girls. Lastly, the study did not find significant differences in the gender gap in participants who were young adults or older adults, thereby indicating that adolescence is a major phase for the development of depression. The researchers also investigated the association between depression and gender equity in income. It was found that countries with lesser differences in income between males and females witnessed the greater gender differences, i.e. women were more likely to be diagnosed with major depression. This contradicts the researchers’ earlier conjecture that greater gender equity in income would be associated with lesser differences in the gender gap. According to the co-author Janet Hyde, a professor of psychology and gender and women’s studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, “It may occur because, in more genderequitable nations, women have more contact with men, and therefore compare themselves to men, who don’t express feelings of depression because it doesn’t fit with the masculine role.” Depression is an illness, not a weakness Depression is a treatable mental disorder. Identifying its onset of symptoms at an early age could help prevent its development, as well as reduce the risk of developing the associated health problems. Though depression can manifest differently among children, teenagers and adults, it stems from the similar changes in the brain. Therefore, anyone having symptoms of depression or any other mental disorder must seek intervention to prevent the aggravation of the condition. If you or your loved one is battling the symptoms of depression, it is imperative to seek help. The Depression Treatment Helpline can help with the information on the best inpatient depression treatment centers that specialize in delivering evidence-based intervention plans across the U.S. Call us at our 24/7 helpline number 866-619-7729 to know more about the comprehensive treatment options around you.
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