Depression Found in Preschoolers

2009-08-04 15:01:43 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Health & Fitness, News)

A new study suggests depression may be found in children as young as three years old.

A new study finds depression can occur in children as young as three.

Press Release Service - Wired PR News – A new study has found that depression can occur in very young children. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), researchers have found the condition can affect children as young as three years of age.

Dr. Joan Luby, Washington University Psychiatrist and lead author of the study is quoted by the AP as stating of the issue, “people really haven’t paid much attention to depressive disorders in children under the age of 6” until recently. Luby is further quoted as stating, “They didn’t think it could happen … because children under 6 were too emotionally immature to experience it.”

Dr. David Fassler, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont, is quoted in the report as stating of the implications for the research, “Hopefully, studies such as this will help parents, teachers, and pediatricians recognize the signs and symptoms of preschool depression so they make sure young children get the help they need and deserve.”

As noted by the AP, the National Institute of Mental Health funded study has been published in the August edition of the Archives of General Psychology.

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