What is a common presentation of depression in children?

Irritability is a common presentation of depression in children. While adults might express depression through sadness or despair, children often demonstrate their feelings through irritability or anger. This can manifest as mood swings, a short temper, or frustration over minor issues. Children may not have the verbal skills or emotional development to articulate feelings of sadness, making irritability a more observable sign of their internal struggle with depressive thoughts or feelings.

In contrast, excessive laughter is generally not indicative of depression in children; it may suggest a more positive emotional state or an attempt to mask underlying issues. Hyperactivity, while it can occur in children with attention disorders, is typically associated with conditions like ADHD rather than depression. Changes in appetite can indeed be a symptom of depression, but they are often more variable and do not consistently present in all children experiencing depressive symptoms. Thus, irritability stands out as a prominent and recognizable sign of depression in this population.