Parents have a concern that their child is depressed. The nurse relates that which characteristic best describes children with depression?

A) Increased range of affective response
B) Preoccupation with need to perform well in school
C) Change in appetite, resulting in weight loss or gain
D) Tendency to prefer play instead of schoolwork

Physiologic characteristics of children with depression include change in appetite resulting in weight loss or gain, nonspecific complaints of not feeling well, alterations in sleeping pattern, insomnia or hypersomnia, and constipation. Children who are depressed have sad facial expressions with absence or diminished range of affective response. These children withdraw from previously enjoyed activities and engage in solitary play or work with a lack of interest in play. A lack of interest is seen in doing homework or achieving in school, resulting in lower grades in children who are depressed.