The old adage "kids will be kids" rings false in these days of too much, too fast, too soon. Problems previously reserved for older teens and adults, such as addiction and stress-related illnesses, are now striking children at younger and younger ages.

Take depression, for instance. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), until two decades ago depression in children was not taken very seriously. However, current studies indicate that up to 2.5 percent of children (1 in 40) and up to 8.3 percent of adolescents (1 in 12) in the United States suffer from depression. In addition, children and adolescents who suffer from depression are at increased risk for illness, long-term interpersonal and psychosocial difficulties, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior. In 1997, suicide was the third-leading cause of death in 10- to 24-year-olds.

According to Kathleen Hockey, author of a new book, "Raising Depression-Free Children: A Parent's Guide to Prevention and Early Intervention," the rate of childhood depression is increasing faster than the rate of adult depression. She also says that depressed children have a 40 to 60 percent chance of experiencing depression as adults, compared to a 27 percent chance in non-depressed children. Further, if a parent has depression, his or her child has a 40 to 70 percent chance of experiencing clinical depression or other major health problems such as anxiety or addiction.

But there is good news. Research shows that early detection and treatment can reduce the severity of depression in children and adolescents. "People need to become aware that while depression is a disease, some forms seem to be preventablejust like some forms of heart disease and diabetes are preventable," Hockey said. "I want parents to know that their children aren't necessarily at the sole mercy of their genes and brain chemistry."

Hockey's book provides parents of children with information, strategies, and active and reflective exercises geared toward reducing the risk of childhood depression. Hockey, a licensed clinical social worker and mother of two who has suffered from depression herself, shares her own parenting failures and successes and the case histories of clients who have dealt with these issues. "Most people don't think about preventing depression unless the disease strikes a family member," writes Hockey. She emphasizes that it is important to teach children skills that will protect them from depression and promote resilience. Often, this involves correcting a child's core, "depression-promoting" beliefs and attempting to identify and offset the negative influences in the child's life that can contribute to depression.

Unfortunately, NIMH states that depressive disorders are frequently unrecognized by families and physicians because they are viewed as normal mood swings. Also, health care professionals may be reluctant to prematurely "label" a young person with a mental illness diagnosis. But early diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders is critical to healthy emotional, social and behavioral development.

Indicators that a child or adolescent might be depressed include frequent vague, non-specific physical complaints, frequent absences from or poor performance in school, talk of running away, outbursts or unexplained irritability, boredom or lack of interest, alcohol and other drug abuse, social isolation, fear of death, extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, recklessness, or difficulty with relationships.

Hockey cautions that parents should not try to diagnose their children, but instead should get a thorough assessment by a qualified professional. "If your child is talking about death or suicide, it is vital that you seek professional help immediately," she said.

A good place to start the assessment process is with a child's primary care physician who can evaluate any medical problems that might be causing depressive symptoms. Physicians usually have a list of psychologists and psychiatrists to whom they can refer a child if further assessment or treatment is indicated.

As recovering people throughout the world have learned, acknowledging that a problem exists is the first step toward healing it and preventing further heartache. Protect your children by learning more about how to identify, treat, and prevent childhood depression.

--Published August 25, 2003