Anxiety and depression in children: Get the facts

"Anxiety and depression in children: Get the facts

Many children have fears and worries, and may feel sad and hopeless from time to time. Strong fears may appear at different times during development. For example, toddlers are often very distressed about being away from their parents, even if they are safe and cared for. Although some fears and worries are typical in children, persistent or extreme forms of fear and sadness could be due to anxiety or depression. Learn about anxiety and depression in children.

Facts

• Anxiety and depression affect many children¹
  • 7.1% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 4.4 million) have diagnosed anxiety.
  • 3.2% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 1.9 million) have diagnosed depression.
• Anxiety and depression have increased over time²
  • “Ever having been diagnosed with either anxiety or depression” among children aged 6-17 years increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8% in 2007 and to 8.4% in 2011–2012.
  • “Ever having been diagnosed with anxiety” among children aged 6-17 years increased from 5.5% in 2007 to 6.4% in 2011–2012.
  • “Ever having been diagnosed with depression” among children aged 6-17 years did not change between 2007 (4.7%) and 2011–2012 (4.9%)..."
    Children and anxiety

Maternal Depression

"Did you know that as many as 1 in 9 women experience depression before, during, or after pregnancy? Depression is common and treatable. If you think you have depression, seek treatment from your health care provider as soon as possible.

In May, we observe both Mother’s Day and Mental Health Month. Moms and moms-to-be deserve the best— including the very best mental health. This feature focuses on depression among women before, during, and after pregnancy.

What is Depression?

Everyone feels sad sometimes, but these feelings normally pass within a few days. Depression can interfere with daily life and may last for weeks or months at a time..."
Maternal-depression

Depression: Medicines for You

"Use this guide to help you talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about your medicines for depression. The guide lists all of the FDA-approved products now available to treat this condition. You will also find some general information to help you use your medicines wisely..."

Tip: Managing Depressive Symptoms in Substance Abuse Clients During Early Recovery
"This TIP, Managing Depressive Symptoms in Substance Abuse Clients During Early Recovery, provides substance abuse counselors the "what," "why," and "how-to" of working with clients with depressive symptoms and substance use disorders, covering topics such as counseling approaches, clinical settings, cultural concerns, counselor roles and responsibilities, screening and assessment, treatment planning and processes, and continuing care. This TIP also provides administrators information about incorporating the management of depressive symptoms into their substance abuse programs, complete with a systematic approach to designing and implementing a supportive infrastructure. The Literature Review synthesizes the most current knowledge and scientific findings on the topic and is only available online at www.kap.samhsa.gov."