Anonymous asked this question on 4/3/2000:

HOW CONVINCING IS THE ARGUMENT THAT CHILDREN CAN BECOME DEPRESSED?

Desertphile gave this response on 4/21/2000:

Note: I am NOT a doctor!

It is not just "convincing," it is conclusively demonstrated that children can be depressed. Some studies along this line have been performed over the past 20 years, and the data shows very clearly that there is a genetic factor in depression, and correlates with metabolic indicators.

One much indicator is heart beat and variability. Studies show that even as infants, individuals show signs of depression which correlate with heart measurements. There is currently a study going on that is looking at antenatal heart rate and variability which, when after birth the indiuvidual is tracked through its early life, may or may not show the "seeds of depression" even before birth. This will support the genetic factor in depression.

The answer to your question is, "Of course children can be depressed."

The average rating for this answer is 4.5.