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Childhood Depression Statistics
The rate of childhood depression is increasing by 23% a year according to a Harvard Medical Center study.
The rate of depression is doubling every 20 years.
1 in 3 American children suffers from depression, 4% of children under 6, according to 2001 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) statistics. Depression figures are on average similar in Australia.
Preschoolers are the fastest growing market for antidepressants.
There is absolutely no evidence that antidepressants work for young children. (2004 clinical review in British medical Journal found no scientific evidence whatsoever that SSRIs work for preschoolers, or indeed for anyone under eighteen.)
Antidepressants have been shown to lead to suicide in children under 18, warned the US Food and Drug Association (FDA) in 2004.
In Australia suicide is now the most frequent cause of teenage death according to the NSW and QLD Police Commissioner.
Child abuse (a leading factor in depression) is increasing in Australia by 5% per yr over the last 5 years. 33,000 cases nationwide p/yr are reported. The NSW Police Commissioner calls child abuse an epidemic. Every 35 mins a child is being abused somewhere in Australia. 96% of abuse takes place at home, school or in recreational areas.
25% of Australian teenagers will suffer from a mental illness, particularly depression, in any year, according to the Australian Governor General.
Until recently, there were no studies on depression in young children--as recently as early 1990s, the majority of health professionals assumed toddlers didn't suffer from depression, because their symptoms weren't as obvious as older kids and adults.
Many more children who may not display depression symptoms are experiencing events, including childhood trauma, in their crucial first six years that will lead to emotional problems in later life.
FDA (US govt) warns of possible dangers of antidepressants and serious side effects (could lead to child suicide, linked to brain tumors, abnormal bleeding).
Most antidepressants are banned for children in Great Britain.
369% increase in ADD/ADHD drug prescriptions (eg. Ritalin) for young children in the last 5 yrs.
ADD drug side effects include loss of appetite, sleeplessness, psychosis (when taken in large doses), and depression, which can show up years later.
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