Signs and Symptoms Childhood Depression & Anxiety

Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Depression & Anxiety

It’s normal for children to have occasional mood swings and fears. If you notice that your child is fearful often, or is generally unhappy, your child could have anxiety or depression, which needs to be treated by a pediatrician. The pediatricians at Southwest Children’s Clinic in West Jordan, UT, provide comprehensive medical services for children, including diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety.

What You Need To Know About Childhood Depression and Anxiety

Let’s look at some of the signs and symptoms of anxiety. Your child may be suffering from an anxiety disorder if your child is:

• Afraid when separated from you
• Very fearful about encounters or going somewhere
• Very fearful about going to school and interacting with other students
• Worried about the future because bad events might happen

Anxiety disorder doesn’t just cause emotional symptoms. Anxiety can also cause physical signs and symptoms, including:

• Increased heart rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling dizzy, shaky, or sweating profusely

Let’s look at some of the signs and symptoms of childhood depression. Your child may suffer from depression if your child:

• Feels sad or irritable on most days
• Has no interest in fun activities
• Has changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Frequently feels tired, tense, and restless

If your child is exhibiting any of the common signs and symptoms of anxiety or depression, you need to bring your child to visit the pediatrician. During your visit, the pediatrician will screen and evaluate your child for anxiety and depression and discuss treatment solutions with you. The pediatrician may recommend:

• Medication therapy to reduce feelings of anxiety or depression
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to help your child reframe negative thoughts into more positive thoughts
• Behavioral therapy to help your child learn to cope with events in a healthy way
• Family therapy to help family members support your child when he or she is anxious or depressed
• Lifestyle modification to help your child feel calm and relaxed

Want To Know More?

To discover more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of childhood anxiety and depression, talk with the experts. Call the pediatricians at Southwest Children’s Clinic in West Jordan, UT. You can reach them in the office by calling (801) 563-1975, so call today.