How Young can a Child Be Depressed?

[peapufn]

We have 3 boys.  The 5 year old is super, the 6 year old is good, and the 7 year old.... well, he is not good.  He went to live with his bio mother 4 1/2 months ago, and he has turned into a person I don't want around!  I keep getting reports from his teacher that he is physically abuseing other children in his class, sending them to the nurses office with his actions.  He is on ADHD medicine, and has been for a few years.  He is on the highest dosage allowed for his weight - since he is 15 lbs underweight according to his doctor.  His mother has no control over him.  He is only in 2nd grade, and he is about to get kicked out os school!

Last year when he lived with us, nothing like this occured, ever!  

HELP!


This discussion is related to Signs of Depression in Adolescents.

[jdtm]

How young can a child be depressed?  Don't know but our child was diagnosed with depression and severe anxiety at six years of age.  If the medication for ADHD is not working, could it be possible that the diagnosis is incorrect?  This is one disorder that is misdiagnosed relatively often.  I really think it is time to seek help from a medical mental health professional as a child psychiatrist.  One more point - the earlier the diagnosis for mental health issues; the better the prognosis.  I wish you the best ....