The statistics are alarming!  As many as one in 33 children and one in 8 adolescents have clinical depression.  Suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 10 to 24.  Clinical or major depression is the top cause of disability throughout the world for persons age 5 and over.  And the most disconcerting – preschoolers are the fastest-growing market for antidepressant medications![1]

Antidepressant use among children linked to suicide risk 

The use of Paroxetine (Paxil) and other antidepressant medications continues to grow by about 10% annually among children and adolescents, according to a study published in the journal, Psychiatric Services.[2]  In August 2006, a separate study associating suicide with antidepressant treatment was published. Children admitted to psychiatric inpatient settings with a diagnosis of depression were monitored. When comparing depressed patients treated with antidepressants to those not treated with antidepressants, the treated group was at significantly higher risk for suicide attempts and suicide deaths.[3]

What’s making our kids depressed?

Before you put your 4-year-old on an antidepressant medication, there may be a simpler, less harmful way to fight his depression. Consider this:  On any given day, as many as one-third of children ages 4 to 19 consume a fast food meal.[4] Over 90% of American children eat at McDonald’s at least once per month!  According to a study published in the March 2012 issue of Public Health Nutrition, consumption of fast food (hamburgers, sausages, pizza) and processed pastries (muffins, croissants, doughnuts) is linked to an increase in depression symptoms.[5]  The results reveal that consumers of fast food, compared to those who eat little or none, are 51% more likely to develop depression.  Furthermore, a dose-response relationship was observed. In other words this means that “the more fast food you consume, the greater the risk of depression,” explains Almudena Sánchez-Villegas, lead author of the study.[6]

Fast Food = Depression… WHY?

The study conclusively reveals the association between fast food intake and the increased risk of depression but the underlying reason for this is not fully known. Certainly fast food or junk food is largely lacking in the vitamins, minerals and nutrients necessary for good brain function and mood regulation. But there is a more insidious possible underlying cause. Fast foods such as doughnuts, hamburgers, pizza and hot dogs cause a temporary increase in serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical that eases your tension, calms your mood and makes you happier. So these become “comfort foods” for kids because it helps them feel better, at least temporarily. But sadly, these foods can spike blood sugar levels quickly and cause a surge of insulin that plunges blood sugars too low which, in turn, can cause the child to be hungry again. And if they reach out to chips or crackers or other processed foods to ease that hunger, the blood glucose roller coaster keeps rolling. All of this can lead to overindulgence, obesity, and ultimately to depression.

Dump the Junk!

Let’s face the facts:  Our kids are not driving themselves through the fast food line.  The number one way we can protect our children’s’ health is to set a good example for them.  Remember that despite their pleas, kids will not starve to death if they do not eat junk food.  Instead of fast food and processed pastries, try feeding your child lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and regular servings of fish (omega-3 fatty acids).  Knowing that children can be picky, here are a few simple suggestions to help you transition to healthful eating:

• If you must grab a quick meal on the go, order a salad, grilled chicken wrap or fruit cup.
• Instead of selecting fries as a side dish at a restaurant, choose vegetables or fruit.
• Have regular family meals and if possible, cook more meals at home.
• Let your children get involved.  At the grocery store, allow your child to select the healthy foods for their lunches and encourage them to pick a “rainbow” of colors – carrots, apples, bananas, etc.  You can also have your child select the vegetables dishes for dinner and let them help you prepare the food.  This autonomy enables your child to actually eat the veggies on their plate rather than skip them.
• Have a variety of healthy snacks available at home instead of processed foods.
• If you’re still having trouble with a picky eater, talk to an integrative medicine physician or a nutritionist who can provide you with creative recipes and meal plans that your child will enjoy.

[1] Mental Health:  A Report of the Surgeon General.