CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The rise in the occurrence of psychiatric disorders has captured the focus of the scientific community, prompting extensive research into mental health (World Health Organization, 2001: Rolim et al., 2011; Assis et al., 2009). Projections suggest that depression will become the primary contributor to the global disease burden by 2030. Notably, the surge in depressive disorders extends beyond adults and is increasingly affecting children as well (Funk, 2016; Kösters et al., 2011; Ramires et al., 2009; Gomes et al., 2009).
In recent times, there has been an increasing acknowledgement of childhood depression as a unique mental health concern, which has resulted in a surge of research and clinical focus on the subject. Children affected by depression often exhibit many of the same symptoms observed in adolescents and adults. These symptoms commonly include reduced energy levels, diminished motivation and initiative, heightened irritability, difficulties with concentration and memory, decreased self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame, and worthlessness, disrupted sleep patterns, fluctuations in weight, and thoughts or actions related to suicide (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Major depressive disorder in children/adolescents and adults is defined using the same diagnostic criteria, with one exception. Both DSM-IV and DSM-5(American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Cooper, 2001) allow for the inclusion of irritable mood as a core diagnostic symptom for children/adolescents, instead of exclusively requiring a depressed mood.
In a comprehensive comparison of symptom profiles between adolescents and adults with major depression, Rice et al. (2019) found distinct patterns: adolescents were more likely to report symptoms such as changes in appetite, weight, energy levels, and difficulties with sleep, whereas adults were more prone to experiencing a loss of interest, anhedonia, and problems with concentration. Notably, the study also indicated that the overall number of depressive symptoms and the presence of major depressive disorder were similar between the two age groups. However, it is important to consider that children might encounter challenges when attempting to express their emotions and feelings due to their limited emotional vocabulary (Kimberly, 2019).
Childhood depression, being a biopsychosocial phenomenon, necessitates special attention due to its profound and enduring impact on child development (Ramires et al., 2009; Rolim et al., 2011). The consequences of this condition extend across various domains, encompassing physiological changes as well as impairments in social and cognitive functioning (Avanci et al., 2012).
In the short term, depressive disorders can inflict psychological distress upon these children, while in the long term, they have the potential to detrimentally affect multiple aspects of child development, including social, cognitive, and emotional dimensions (Rolim et al., 2011). Furthermore, Kösters et al., (2011) indicate that childhood depression serves as a significant predictor of psychopathologies in adulthood, underscoring the long-lasting impact of the condition.
Childhood depression carries implications that reach beyond the affected child, impacting families, schools, and society as a whole. The magnitude of this issue is significant, with a considerable number of children worldwide being affected. Various studies focusing on child populations have employed self-report measures to assess severe depressive symptoms, such as the the Children's Depression Scale (CDS) and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) (Lang and Tisher, 1978, Kovacs, 1992).
These studies have observed prevalence rates of childhood depression in different countries. For instance, in Spain, the prevalence rate was found to be 4% (Demir et al., 2011; Bernaras et al., 2013), while in Greece, it was 8% (Kleftaras and Didaskalou, 2006). Finland reported a prevalence rate of 6% (Puura et al., 1997), Australia reported 10% (McCabe et al., 2011), and Colombia reported a higher prevalence rate of 25% (Vinaccia et al., 2006).
These statistics highlight the prevalence of childhood depression and emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of its causes, effects, and potential solutions. Hence the purpose of this research.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Previous studies have provided valuable insights into childhood depression (Kazdin, 1988; Sandler and Joffe, 1965; Rice et al., 2002); however, there are notable gaps in the existing research literature. Historically, research in the field of depression has primarily focused on adult populations (Frost et al., 2019; O'Connor et al., 2016), leaving a dearth of knowledge specifically related to children.
Many existing studies have predominantly examined depression in adolescents, neglecting the unique challenges and characteristics of younger children. Additionally, the majority of research has concentrated on isolated aspects of childhood depression, such as risk factors, symptomatology, or treatment approaches (Zalsman et al., 2006; Saluja et al., 2004), rather than taking a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective.
Therefore, this study seeks to address the existing gaps in the literature by conducting an empirical investigation into the causes, effects, and potential solutions of depression among children.
1.3 Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to examine the causes, effects, and solutions of depression among children through empirical research.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The study had the following specific objectives:
- To identify the factors that contribute to depression among children.
- To explore the effects of depression on children
- To analyze existing empirical studies on evidence-based solutions to address childhood depression effectively.
- 4. To ascertain if sadness, emptiness, irritable mood, accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes is significantly correlated with depression.
- To examine if inconsistent parenting, stressful life experiences, and a negative way of viewing the world has a significant negative effect on children.
1.5 Research Questions
- What are the underlying causes of depression among children?
- What are the effects of depression on children?
- What evidence-based solutions have been effective in addressing childhood depression?
- 4. How is sadness, emptiness, irritable mood, accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes is significantly correlated with depression?
- Do you think inconsistent parenting, stressful life experiences, and a negative way of viewing the world has a significant negative effect on children?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
H1: Sadness, emptiness, irritable mood, accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes is significantly correlated with depression.
H2: inconsistent parenting, stressful life experiences, and a negative way of viewing the world has a significant negative effect on children.
1.7 Justification of the Study
By exploring the existing body of knowledge and analyzing empirical studies, this research aims to contribute to the understanding of the causes, effects, and potential solutions of depression among children. The findings will help fill the gaps in the literature, inform future research, guide the development of evidence-based interventions, and ultimately improve the well-being of children experiencing depressive symptoms.
1.8 Scope of the study
The study focuses on the causes, effects, and solutions of depression among children.
