Depressive Disorder in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

A depressive disorder is a medical condition. It is normal for your child to feel sad, irritable, or hopeless sometimes. A depressive disorder is a condition that causes your child to have these feelings for weeks, months, or longer. Your child's feelings may interfere with his or her normal activities. Do not wait for your child's feelings to go away. A depressive disorder can be treated.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

Your child has done something on purpose to hurt himself or herself.
Your child talks about or attempts suicide.

Call your child's therapist or doctor if:

Your child's symptoms do not improve.
You cannot take your child to his or her next appointment.
Your child has new symptoms.
You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Medicines:

Antidepressant medicine may be given to improve or balance your child's mood. Your child may need to take this medicine for several weeks before he or she begins to feel better. Tell your child's healthcare provider about any side effects or problems your child has with the medicine. The type or amount of medicine may need to be changed.
Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Help your child:

Talk to your child about his or her mood. Your child may ignore you or deny that anything is wrong. Keep trying.
Be patient with your child. Do not become angry because of your child's irritable or grumpy mood.
Spend time with your child. Play a game, watch a movie, cook, or make a craft with your child. Encourage positive moods, enjoyment, and relaxation in your child by spending time with him or her.
Take your child to all appointments. A depressive disorder is treatable with the correct help. Your child can feel better with treatment.
Encourage healthy eating and sleeping habits. Make sure your child eats a variety of healthy foods. Stick to a sleep schedule so he or she gets enough sleep. Your child may sleep better if his or her room is quiet and dark.
Make sure your child gets 1 hour of physical activity every day. Encourage your child to play sports or be active every day. You and your child can take a walk. Physical activity can reduce symptoms of depression.

Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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