Counselling Central

Social scientists at Washington University studied girls and boys aged 6-7 years old. They found that girls who demonstrate anti-social behaviour at this age are more likely to experience depression during their teenage years.

Anti-social behaviour and anxiety is considered a big problem among young boys because they usually go on to become more anti-social during their adolescence. It has been discovered that girls, rather than become more anti-social, often turn their feelings inward which can lead to increased anger and anxiety, as well as mental health issues such as depression and eating disorders.

One of the findings from this research is that young children can often identify themselves as being anxious or depressed. As a result the researchers who carried out this study could see the benefit of schools carrying out health surveys amongst their pupils.

So what should you do if you believe your child is depressed? The NHS recommends that you contact your doctor or school nurse so that your child can be properly assessed.