Children of all ages from infancy through adolescence can suffer from a disorder mood. The symptoms change, with the child 's level of development.
Depression in infants is often expressed as a failure to thrive, grow physically and act unresponsively. It is rarely seen in babies, but it is often a disturbance between the relationship of the infant and the caregiver. Post partum depression, which affects 25-30% of mothers, can in turn affect the mood of the infant. A broken bond, separation, illness or death can contribute.
Depressed mothers talk, cuddle and show less affection. Babies are sometimes rejected because they are unwanted, premature or abnormal.
Preschoolers are more aggressive, self isolating, restless, overwhelmed by sleeplessness and nightmares and are less adaptive to follow rules or make friends when depressed.
Older, school-age children may avoid school, feel misdirected guilt and express their depression by
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