Childhood Depression - Depression in Children

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Depression may not be preventable. Some steps that may be helpful in preventing depression include the following:

Depression can lead to suicide. It is important to recognize and treat the condition early. Children should be encouraged to talk to someone if they are concerned about depression. There are many people they can talk to including the following:

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Most children recover well from a single episode of depression. However, episodes are likely to recur. Children with depression are at risk for further episodes of depression later in life. They are also at risk for adult personality disorders. Children with depression are more likely to commit suicide than other children.

What are the risks to others?

Depression is not contagious and poses no risk to others.