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Children depression
By admin | August 13, 2007
Depression is a serious condition that doesn’t just affect adults, but children and teenagers, too. Depending from child to child, depression can be either mild or severe. But should never be ignored because it could only get worse. Proper treatment is the perfect cure.
Depression is a condition when a child or a teenager feels sad or irritable for a longer period of time, usually more than 3-6 months. It occurs when children don’t enjoy school, after school activities, quality time with friends or family, get annoyed with everyone for no particular reason or just have a low energy level. It is very important to emphasize that depression can last for a long time and may come in cycles of feeling down and feeling normal. Chronic (ongoing) mild depression, called dysthymia, occurs when a child feels a little down most of the time for a year or more. Both severe and mild forms of depression can be effectively treated.
It took a longer period of time for scientists and doctors to realize that even smaller children can develop this serious condition. But, younger the child is, harder to recognize depression is. Different symptoms can occur and parents should be aware of this. These symptoms can be ranged from boredom, low level of energy, to stomach pain and constant whining and feeling of loneliness.Also, mood swings and other similar emotional changes can be overlooked as a normal part of growing up.
Children and teens with depression frequently have other conditions such as anxiety disorders, behavior disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders, learning disorders, or serious behavior problems (conduct disorder). These conditions may occur before a child is diagnosed with depression.
Depression is an illness that requires treatment—not a character flaw or weakness. Children diagnosed with depression should never feel different from their friends or have a lower self-esteem. That’s something parents should have on mind. They need to talk to their children as much as possible and help them understand that their mood change is perfectly normal, that it happens to other kids, too and, the most importantly, is fully treatable.
Childhood and teen years can be especially difficult for children with depression and their family members, especially if it is not treated. Untreated major depression can last for a year and sometimes longer. Consequences of not treating this condition can develop into a clinical depression in adult years, other emotional problems, and sometimes even suicide.
Depression can be triggered by stressful life events, such as a loss or a move, or by certain drugs or medications. Depression may also be genetic (inherited). Children with a family history of depression are much more likely to become depressed, especially if they have a parent who is currently depressed. Although the causes of depression are not entirely understood, we know it is linked to an imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. This chemical imbalance can be caused by medications, illnesses or stress.
Symptoms vary from child to child. But there are some very common symptoms that parents should be aware of such as:
1. having difficulties with concentrating on school work or other projects, or even TV shows
2. different changes in appetite that can lead to constant weight problems, that sometimes can develop into eating disorders
3. feeling down, feeling like there’s no use to go to school, play with friends or spend time doing personal hygiene
4. problems with sleeping – not being able to sleep much or sleeping too much
5. thinking about death and suicide
Treatment is important. It includes personal counseling with child psychiatrist, medications and family education. This is a hard time for the whole family. Depressed child needs support and feeling of belonging.
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems (psychiatrist) may be helpful for severe depression or other mental health problems that occur with depression. It might be very good for the child to have his parents with him the first time when having a therapy.
Sometimes a stay in the hospital may be needed if the child or teen has suicidal thoughts and is likely to act on them or has other health conditions, such as a long-term disease, an eating disorder, or another mood disorder.
Topics: Child Psychology, Health, Mental Health | No Comments »
