FRIDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- Children who show fewer than
normal signs of affection or happiness, such as smiles, laughter or
hugs, might be at risk for depression, a new study suggests.
Although greater-than-normal crying and negative emotions in
children can be a red flag for depression, too few demonstrations
of happiness and affection could mean that children are not able to
cope with bad moods well, making them more vulnerable to depressive
disorders, according to researchers from the University of Michigan
and the University of Pittsburgh.
"Surprisingly, it seems that it is low levels of happiness, as opposed to high levels of sadness, that may help explain why these kids too often develop depressive disorders," study co-author Nestor Lopez-Duran, an assistant professor of psychology at U-M, said in a university news release.
In conducting the study, published in the current issue of
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, researchers followed 140 mothers and 202 children, ranging in age from late infancy to 9 years. The children were divided into two groups: those whose mothers had a history of depression and those whose mothers did not. Then all the children were given tasks to provoke positive and negative emotions.
The researchers found that although children whose mothers had a
history of depression had the same amount of negative emotions as
other kids their age, they had fewer displays of positive or happy
emotions.
The study authors noted that because the children's mothers had
a history of depression, the youngsters were already at greater
risk for the condition. They concluded however, the lack of
positive emotions is another warning sign for depression that
should be recognized.
Parents or guardians should not ignore children's sadness or
frustration, advised Lopez-Duran. Children who are unable to
experience happiness during their playtime or other activities may
be at risk for depression and should be evaluated by a health
professional, he added.
Other symptoms that may signal depression in children
include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Lack of appetite
- Sadness
- Inability to concentrate
- Irritability
More information
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides more information on
childhood depression.