Sometimes the behavior may be precipitated by a particular event in the child's life, such as a death in the family or a parental divorce. Also important to the diagnosis is a review of the child's family history. There is evidence to suggest that depression may have a genetic or biological component. If a parent or teacher detects signs of depression in a young child, Dr. Treadwell-Deering suggests the child see his or her primary care physician or pediatrician as a first step. If that is the person who has been providing ongoing preventive care, that is the person who is going to know the child and the family the best.
Depression is a treatable disease.
Once a diagnosis is made, medication may be recommended. I think that clearly our clinical experience suggests that young children respond to the same sets of medications that adolescents and adults do. Counseling modalities may differ for this age group, however. Therapy may incorporate play or art to demonstrate to a child the ways in which conflict can be resolved or dealt with appropriately. Parental involvement is an important component of counseling, particularly with young children.