What is Depression in Children and Adolescents?
Depression is a common Mood disorder that negatively influences how a young person views life, it causes a feeling of helplessness, low mood, guilt and sadness, irritability and a lack of pleasure in activities and hobbies that were once enjoyable. This results in difficulties with concentration and motivation and overall functioning which can impact relationships, school life, sleep which makes it challenging to perform everyday tasks and maintain a positive outlook on life.
How is it different for children and adolescents from Adults?
Children are different from adults as they are often unable to communicate their emotions effectively, thus, depression manifests as behavioral changes that are not normal for the child. These could be anger bursts, irritability, heightened sensitivity, unexplained physical complaints like stomach ache and headaches. In adolescents, it may manifest as social withdrawal, poor school performance, heightened sensitivity, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.Types of Depressive Disorders in children and adolescents:
Major depressive disorder: the child or teen might feel constantly sad or hopeless, become easily angered, experience sleep issues, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and withdraw from family and friends.
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): this disorder is similar to Major depressive disorder but the symptoms are less severe and they last longer.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: these children experience intense feelings of anxiety and irritability, and they have temper outbursts that are frequent and more intense than a regular reaction, they may destroy things or harm themselves or others.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD):. Symptoms often begin a week before menstruation and may include depression, anxiety, increased irritability, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and heightened stress over minor issues.
Causes:
The exact causes of depression in children and adolescents is not known, however, Multiple factors interact together to cause it, these are generally divided into biological, psychological and social factors.
Biological
Psychological
Social
Family history.
Physical illness.
Puberty.
Concurrent mental illness.
Trauma.
Substance use.
Stressful life events like separation, parents divorce, moving houses, schools, experiencing the loss of a loved one, and bullying.
signs and symptoms:
Symptoms that may suggest depression in children and adolescents include:
defiant or disruptive behaviors.
Anger or irritability.
Anxiety.
problems at school.
fatigue and low energy.
unexplainable body aches.
sleep difficulties (sleeping too much or too little).
weight changes (increase or decrease due to appetite changes).
low self esteem and feelings of worthlessness.
mood swings and inability to enjoy activities that were previously enjoyed.
isolation.
thoughts about death or suicide.
Treatment Options at Mind Clinic:
Depression is a treatable condition with many available options and modalities that could improve the child’s life significantly. Treatment varies according to severity and it could consist of psychotherapy, medications, a combination of both.In Mind Clinic we follow a holistic approach in assessing and treating childhood and adolescent Depression, parents or legal guardians are involved in each step of the process.
Firstly, a psychiatric assessment would be conducted in which the doctor assesses the child through personal interview in the presence of the child’s legal guardian, questionnaires and sometimes other tests may be required depending on the child’s or teen’s medical history.
After the assessment and diagnosis, an initial plan is made depending on what is best for the child. This typically consists of therapy approaches and in certain cases, medications could be required.
A psychological assessment would be conducted by a therapist in the presence of the child’s family to determine what might help according to the his or her specific needs, the options could include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Interpersonal therapy (IPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Family focused therapy, parenting strategies and play therapy.We also contact and meet with schools and education providers to offer counseling, education and suggest academic accommodation that would help the child or teen to manage their school work and reduce their stress.Other options could be discussed as a part of the personalized plan for each person.
References:
Yale medicine. (n. d.). Depression in Children and Teens. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/depression-in-children-and-teens
Cleveland clinic. (n. d.). Depression in children. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14938-depression-in-children
Child Mind Institute. (n. d.) Depression at Different Ages. https://childmind.org/article/depression-at-different-ages/
Bhatia Psychology Group. (2021, October 5). Depression: Is it Different for Kids vs Adults? https://bhatiapsychology.com/blog/how-is-depression-different-for-kids-vs-adults/