What is childhood depression?

There's a big difference between a child who feels a bit fed up and a child who is depressed. If your child's had a bad day she will usually recover quickly. If she's depressed she won't. Children who are depressed cannot simply 'pull themselves together' or 'snap out of it.' Episodes of depression can be extreme and last weeks or even months. They affect school work, friendships and even eating and sleeping patterns.

Who gets it?

Depression is becoming more common in children. Genetics and family background can make some children more prone to it than others. Traumatic events such as abuse, bereavement, divorce, bullying or family problems such as parents rowing, can also trigger it. Experts reckon that around two in every 100 children aged around 12 have clinical depression. And it's worse in teenagers. At least one teenager in every classroom is likely to be depressed. According to an Office of National Statistics study, one in 10 British children has a mental health disorder. And more than 50 per cent of adults who suffer from depression say they first developed symptoms before the age of 20.

Next: What are the symptoms of childhood depression?