Do you think a child like under the age of 5 can be depressed? Is this possible?
2006-11-01 11:57:04 · 11 answers · asked by Goldylocks 5 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
First of all I noticed everyone is quick to say "Take the kid to a shrink". Which is totally insane to take a 5 year old and under, to the shrink to solve problems with medication. A study was released not to long ago where not only are Americans overmedicated.., many of these are children!!!! Thats scary as heck.
First consider the child might be literally "Bored To Tears". Ever been that way? Many people (and so called psycho-therapists) will jump the gun and call that depression and treat it with a pill thats not needed.
Before you even consider taking the child to a shrink, make an assessment. Does the child have other kids to play with? Just does not have a thing to do? Work from those angles first.
And for heavens sake, do not have "depression" conversations with friend while the child is in listening range. Sometimes we can load children - or kind of preprogram them to be depressed.
Read the child cheerful books, view cheerful polite nice cartoons (but don't make the cartoons cheap baby-sitters)..., use your imagination.
But for goodness sake, for the child's sake - make a shrink the very ultimate last resort. Only if the kid is violent or self destructive or both should the child see a child psychologist.
I saved this for last because I don't want to preprogram you to think the worst and go on a witch hunt. "Child molestation" is a serious matter that can ruin a child and produce depression symptoms. Look for signs. Hand the child two dolls and try to peek in on playtime without notice.
Two male dolls and two female dolls. Observe the child's behavior with the doll(s). Look for any unexplained marks on the child. Do not jump the gun. Some children have been ruined by well intending parents and other peoples lives through false misinterpretations. Be VERY careful when you tread down that road.
I would suggest using the 1st suggestions before going to the latter extreme. God forbid, should everything point to the last one appear to be more likely - and if it does - take action. Just be 90%certain for the child's sake your analysis is correct.
2006-11-01 12:19:19 · answer #1 · answered by Victor ious 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. However, rather than a child psychiatrist, your first step should be a good pediatrician. Clinical depression has several possible physiological causes (hormone imbalance, etc.) that you'd want to have ruled out before you went the therapeutic route.
Best to you.
2006-11-01 11:59:52 · answer #2 · answered by Timothy W 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since depression can be chemical, it is possible that a 5 year old can be depressed.
2006-11-01 12:04:40 · answer #3 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yea i've heard about young kids going from outgoing and friendly to shy, because of depression. Its the the little things like being scolded so yeah they can. Just be there for them and comfort them as much as u can. ♥
2006-11-01 11:58:29 · answer #4 · answered by x_doted.sn_x 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
some depression is a chemical problem in the brain which i'm sure a child can have just as easily as an adult
2006-11-01 11:58:39 · answer #5 · answered by TJ815 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely . I have seen abused and neglected toddlers so depressed they could not smile . It's one of the saddest things in the world .
2006-11-01 17:22:29 · answer #6 · answered by missmayzie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course it is possible, just because they haven't been exposed to many of life's problems does not mean they must be absolutely happy with their lives now.
2006-11-01 11:59:00 · answer #7 · answered by J 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
Different situations could cause this. Have you taken him or her to the doctor to find if there's anything physically wrong ? Do that first.
2006-11-01 11:59:37 · answer #8 · answered by almostdead 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes it is, take the child to go see a child psychiatrist
2006-11-01 11:58:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes, talk to the child's Dr. about it, good luck & hope it ends soon
2006-11-01 12:01:08 · answer #10 · answered by start 6-22-06 summer time Mom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋