Depression May Start at the Age of Three

Contrary to what some people think, moodiness, despondency and depression are not symptoms of the adult life with its hardships. A new study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry shows that depression may assault us starting from the tender age of three.

Furthermore, it may deepen and even become a chronic state of mind.

Generally bouts of moodiness and low spirits in young children are liable to pass quickly leaving no trace. But with some children this condition can persist and manifest itself even when they should be having good time. Such children remain sad and even their games are apt to touch upon deaths and the macabre side of life.

Their reactions are often irritable and they express their irritation by kicking, hitting out or biting.

Their sleep is often troubled and their appetite is noticeably worse compared to other children.

Researchers report that this condition is more frequently observed in the children of families where the mother suffers from chronic or temporary mood disorders caused by a traumatic event in her life.

In other cases such mood disorders may be brought about by some chemical changes in the body.

Source of the image: flickr.com/photos/26816787@N07.