At any time, approximately 5 percent of children and adolescents are experiencing a depression, with the percentage increasing with age. During childhood the number of boys and girls is the same. However, not all children and teens have the same risk of developing a depressive disorder. Children with a family history of depression have a greater chance. So do children who are stressed, who have experienced loss, such as of a parent or someone with whom they were close, or who have attention, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders.
Childhood depression resembles adult depression, but there are some differences.
Many of them might not even say they're sad. They just know they don't feel well. Depressed adolescents look more like depressed adults. They are frequently irritable, sullen, withdrawn. They think it's just normal adolescent behavior, whereas it's something more significant.