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Depression in children
Introduction
Like in teenagers and adults, depression is the most prevalent psychological disorder in children. This is certainly surprising since many people hold the notion that children have nothing stressing them enough to fall into depression. However, children stand a higher risk of falling into depression than elders. This is mainly due to their inability to fight back, lack of understanding, lack of power to tolerate harsh times, homesickness and a relatively easy inclination to what is wrong. These factors underline not only the reality but also the possibility of depression in children. According to studies, depression in children is a grave issue that mainly affects children between the age of 4 and 12. Being at relatively young ages, these children find it difficult to comprehend what is happening or even talk with somebody about it. Unfortunately, their inability to express themselves in case of depression is considered also normal for children in this age group. This brings to the fore two critical issues; difficulty in diagnosing the problem and suicidal thoughts or tendencies. The suicidal thoughts emanate from their inability to have a clear judgment for their thinking, in which case they hold the notion that they had rather die than live a strangely difficult and alien life. While this analysis places an overwhelming responsibility on the parents to be on the lookout for the varied signs of depression in their children, evaluating the causes of the problem is crucial (Goodyear et al. 96). It has always been thought that depression in children results from variations in hormones, traumatic situations and even low self esteem or confidence. While these may trigger the depression, it is necessary to acknowledge that some children are more predisposed or vulnerable to becoming depressed than others, thanks to their genetic make-up. This underlines the fact that hereditary factors play a key role in the occurrence of depression in children.
Supporting arguments for depression in children as a hereditary problem
Studies on twins- the larger part of what is known of genetic influence on depression is based on research done on twins, both fraternal and identical. Identical twins have particularly been extremely helpful in this research since their genetic code is exactly the same. Studies show that in cases where one of the identical twins falls into depression, the other one also develops depression about 76 percent of the times. In cases where the identical twins are brought up apart from each other, both fall into depression in about 67 percent of the times. While there is a ten percentage variation, one would acknowledge that genetic influence on depression in children is quite strong (Scott and Joughin 57). The fact that the rate is not a 100 percent underlines the fact that other factors influence an individual’s vulnerability to depression. However, these other factors only serve as the trigger for depression (Rutter and Taylor 77).
This notion is cemented by studies done on fraternal twins. Fraternal twins do not have similar genetic code but only share approximately 50 percent of the genetic makeup. Research on fraternal twins shows that when one of the fraternal twins falls into depression, the other twin also falls into depression in approximately 19 percent of the time. This is quite low compared to the high rates in the case of identical twins, which points at the strong influence of the genes. In addition, it is noteworthy that the rate is still way higher in comparison to the rates in the general public (Goodyear 59). This points at the influence of genetic makeup given that the high rates can be attributed to the shared 50 percent genetic makeup.
Genes for depression- numerous researches have been done in an attempt to identify the genes that lead individuals to develop depressive illnesses. While there is no consistency in the studies as to the specific genes that are responsible for the condition, results of a number of researches have suggested that specific genes cause depression in children to occur in certain families and mot in others. Much is not known about the predisposition or vulnerability imposed by genes to depressive illnesses. However, studies indicate the presence of a high likelihood that a combination of genes increases the vulnerability of an individual to depression (Scott and Joughin 49).
Legacy- while it was believed that the environment that a child is living in remains the main culprit for the depression, research show that there is inherited vulnerability and susceptibility to depression. Studies show that individuals with close relatives who at one time fell into depression stand a relatively higher likelihood of developing the condition (Scott and Joughin 37). The genes that individuals inherit from their parents determine numerous things about them such as their complexion, color of their hair and eyes, as well as their gender. In essence, the genes determine the illnesses that one may be more vulnerable to contract at one point in his or her life. Except in cases of identical twins, no two persons have a similar genetic makeup (Rutter and Taylor 76). Research shows that individuals with siblings or parents who have undergone considerable depression, are 2 to 3 times more likely to fall into depression compared to those who may not have relatives with the illness. In addition, such individuals stand higher chances of having bipolar disorder, a form of mental illness. In addition, it is noteworthy that the condition has been linked with changes in chemical composition in the part of one’s brain that is responsible for controlling moods. The variations hinder the brain from functioning normally thereby resulting to depression. It has always been acknowledged that the brain and its functioning or reaction to particular situations is determined by an individual’s genes (Goodyear 49). In addition, bipolar disorder is strongly influenced by the genetic makeup of the individual. Studies show that about fifty percent of individuals with bipolar disorders have a parent or parents who at one time suffered from depression. Children born of a mother or father with bipolar disorder stand a 25 percent chance of having clinical depression at one time in their lives. In cases where both parents have had bipolar disorders, the child stands a 50 to 80 percent chance of developing depression. Individuals whose siblings have bipolar disorder are 2-10 times more likely to have a serious depressive disorder compared to those that have no such siblings.
Conclusion
Depression in children has been remarkably prevalent in the recent times. However, it has been extremely difficult to diagnose it since its chief symptom is also a key characteristic of children between 4 and 12 years of age. However, given the seriousness of the condition, especially as far as having fatal results is concerned, it is crucial that the main causes be examined and remedied (Rutter and Taylor 46). Nevertheless, it is vital to acknowledge that genetics play a significant role in influencing its occurrence. In essence, twin brothers stand a higher chance of contracting the illness in comparison to the general public. In addition, individuals whose siblings or parents have had depression at one time or the other stand a higher chance of contracting the ailment (Rutter and Taylor 57). Studies also show that some genes or a combination of genes influence the occurrence of depression.
Works Cited
Rutter, Morris. and Taylor, Elly. ‘Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’ (4th edn). London: Blackwell. 2002. Print.
Goodyear, Alexander. The Depressed Child and Adolescent, second edition. New York: Cambridge University Press. 2001. Print.
Scott, Antony and Joughin, Collins. Finding the Evidence’ – A Gateway to the Literature in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (2nd edn). London: Gaskell. 2001. Print.
