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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
7 yr old can she have depression ?
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
7 yr old can she have depression ?
by Johnny Rich, Jul 31, 2004 12:00AM
I have a 7 yr old daughter she is oldest of 3 children. today she said that for a long time she gets up in the am and is sad she just wants to cry and dont know why she is 7 7 my other daughter is 5 they have been fighting and is always in competition with each other pullig hair & punching each other . we don't enforce hitting as a disipline from the parents. But it was most troublesome for her to say this morning ater she broke down crying very hard that she feels this way. there is noithing going on in our lives that is dramatic. We are always a family doing many things. she is a great reader, young artist and very loving child. We are very nervous about hearing this from her this am. it was told to my wife as I was out with the other 2 children. Can a 7 yr old really be depressed and can it be for months ?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Aug 01, 2004 12:00AM
, Aug 01, 2004 12:00AM
Yes, children can experience mood disorders such as depression. Your daughter's comment is unusual for a child her age and definitely invites professional evaluation. What is clear is that she is sad; now whether that sadness is a manifestation of depression needs to be determined. The way to do that is through professional intervention. Arrange an evaluation with a pediatric menatl health clinician. If you're not sure where to start, here are two suggestions: (a) Ask her pediatrician; (b) Call the number on the back of her insurance card and ask to speak with a clinical person - that person can put you in touch with a clinician in your area.
