By Fedhealth

Childhood is often perceived as a time of untroubled joy and discovery. Yet, emerging research reveals that very young children, including toddlers, can experience significant mental health challenges such as depression. Recognising the signs, understanding the causes, and seeking appropriate treatment are vital steps in supporting a toddler’s mental health. If you suspect that your toddler may be experiencing depression, consulting a mental healthcare professional is essential to  ensure they receive the necessary care and support.

Recognising Depression in Toddlers

According to a 2009 report titled “Preschool Depression,” signs of major depression can be observed in children as young as three years old. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 2% of preschool and school-age children are affected by depression. Detecting depression in toddlers can be challenging due to their limited communication skills and their inability to articulate complex emotions.

Signs of Depression in Toddlers

There are several indicators to watch out for:

1. Persistent sadness: Unlike typical mood swings, a toddler with depression may exhibit a sense of sadness and persistent irritability. They might appear unusually withdrawn or have a noticeable lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
2. Changes in sleep patterns: This may include trouble falling asleep, interrupted sleep, or excessive sleeping.
3. Appetite changes: A sudden  loss of appetite or overeating can be a sign of depression.
4. Behavioural changes: Increased temper tantrums, aggression, or destructive behaviour can be tell-tale signs of depression in toddlers. However, unlike older children, depressed toddlers may not always exhibit disruptive behaviour. Instead they may appear unusually quiet or unresponsive, which can lead to them being mistaken for well-behaved or passive children.
5. Physical symptoms: Sometimes, depression in toddlers manifests as physical complaints, such as frequent stomach-aches or headaches.

If any of these symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, it is advisable to consult a paediatrician to rule out any physical issues. Once medical conditions are excluded, a referral to a children’s mental health specialist is recommended. These professionals are equipped to diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment for young children.

Importance of Early Intervention

Early diagnosis and treatment of depression in toddlers are crucial. The concept of neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, is particularly relevant here. Just as early intervention can improve outcomes for physical conditions like lazy eye, it can also significantly affect the trajectory of mental health conditions. Intervening early during a child’s critical developmental window can potentially reduce the severity of the disorder and prevent more severe issues later in life. 

Causes and Treatment

Understanding why a toddler might experience depression can be complex. Depression in very young children can have genetic components, but it can also be triggered by life events. However, it’s essential to note that not all cases are linked to identifiable stressors. This can can make it difficult for parents to pinpoint the exact cause of their child’s distress.

Effective treatment strategies include:

• Therapy: While traditional talk therapy may not be appropriate for toddlers, therapy that involve play and parent-child interaction is crucial. Therapists often use play-based methods to enable toddlers to express their feelings and develop coping strategies.
• Parenting support: Parent training programs and support groups can offer guidance on how to manage a toddler’s depressive symptoms.
• Medication: Medication is generally not  the first line of treatment for toddlers, but in severe cases, a psychiatrist might consider it. It is important to use medications  cautiously and under guidance of a health care professional.
• Healthy routines: A consistent daily routine with regular sleep, healthy meals, and plenty of physical activity are crucial to the emotional well-being of a toddler.

Moving Forward

There certainly are advances in technology that offer hope for more accurate and accessible diagnosis in the future. Researchers at the University of Vermont have made strides in using Artificial Intelligence to detect signs of depression in young children’s speech. This promising development, published in the Journal for Biomedical and Health Informatics, could lead to a smartphone app that analyses speech patterns to identify depression.

While the notion of a toddler experiencing depression might seem daunting, the goal is to maintain a stable and supportive environment for your child while navigating this challenging journey. Early intervention and proper support can lead to positive outcomes.

Sources:

• National Institute of Mental Health (2020). “Depression in Children.” Retrieved from NIMH
• American Academy of Paediatrics (2021). “Mental Health in Young Children.” Retrieved form AAP
• Zero to Three (2019). Understanding and Responding to Young Children’s Mental Health Needs.” Retrieved from Zero to Three
• Harvard Medical School (2022). “Neurodevelopmental Factors and Depression.” Retrieved from Harvard Health
• Raisingchildren.net.au
• The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)

Childhood is typically viewed as a carefree, happy time. However, recent studies show that depression can affect even very young children.

How young? According to a 2009 report called “Preschool Depression” researchers found that pre-schoolers as young as three can show signs of major depression. Depression affects about 2% of preschool and school-age kids. And yes, diagnosing childhood depression can be a challenge. The fact that these so-called “internalising disorders” are not as common and also because kids under the age of eight, can’t reliably articulate their emotional suffering, are often reasons why many kids in their younger years go undiagnosed.

However, early treatment and support can avoid mental health problems in the future. Earlier intervention during a period of higher brain neuroplasticity may be more effective in a known chronic disorder that is often difficult to treat later on in life. Think about it, when a child has a lazy eye, patching the good eye can force the weaker eye to get stronger, provided that the treatment is implemented while the child is young. Remember, depression affects how we think and how we see ourselves in the future.

It is difficult to imagine a child as young as pre-school age suffering from clinical depression. Parents may wonder what the typical three-year-old has to be depressed about. Pre-schoolers’ depression is genetically based and can be brought on by stressful events, although stressful events don’t always play a part.

What we do need is a quick and objective test to determine whether our kids are suffering, right? Interestingly enough, research at the University of Vermont has used artificial intelligence to detect hidden depression in the speech of young children. This research was published in the Journal for Biomedical and Health Informatics and according to them the next step will be to develop the speech analysis algorithm into a universal tool for clinical use, perhaps via a smartphone app that could record and analyse results immediately. So yes, there is definitely hope that technology will have the answers at our fingertips.

But, how do you as a concerned parent recognise depression in your pre-schooler? Parents may actually mistake a depressed three-year-old for a “good” child. Kids who are depressed aren’t disruptive in their environment… They are the wheel that’s not squeaky, so to speak.

Guilt is also a big marker – if something goes wrong, they might think that it’s their fault. A general “lack of joy” is all too often noted in the life of a depressed pre-schooler. They also might have changes in their sleeping patterns or appetites – either too much or too little. Also, they might generally be resisting activity and might not enjoy activities normally loved by their healthy peers.

If the symptoms continue to persist over a period of two weeks, a visit to your paediatrician is advised to rule out any physical illness that may be causing the symptoms. Once physical illness is ruled out, have your child examined by a trained mental health professional specialising in children. The specialist will evaluate your child and determine an appropriate diagnosis, and, if necessary, treatment.

Ultimately keeping your child safe and stable is what this journey is about.

Good luck brave mom and dad!

Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, www.medicinenet.com, globalnews.ca, www.uvm.edu, www.sciencenews.org, www.verywellmind.com, healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au, www.washingtonpost.com, www.bbrfoundation.org, www.psychologytoday.com, raisingchildren.net.au