Identifying Depression In Children
33753
Disease & Illness > Depression
Jun 28, 2007
fayebe
Identifying Depression In Children
Depression in children is different from the normal "blues" and usual emotions that happens as a child develops. Just because a child seems depressed or sad does not necessarily mean they have childhood depression. But if these symptoms become ongoing, disruptive, and interfere with daily social activities, their schoolwork and their home life, it may indicate that he or she has a medical illness called depression. Keep in mind that while depression in children is a serious illness, it is also treatable. Because they are often passed off as normal growing pains, the emotional and psychological changes that occur for a child who is depressed are often left undiagnosed and therefore untreated. The symptoms in children are very similar to the symptoms for an adult in that they will display sadness, a feeling of hopelessness, and mood changes. Some of the symptoms and behaviors linked with depression in children include: * Irritability, crying, feeling sad, helpless or hopeless * Continuous feelings of worthlessness * Loss of interest or pleasure in social activities * Fatigue and loss of energy nearly every day * Fearful, tense, anxious * Repeated rejection by other children * A drop in school performance * Inability to sit still, fidgeting or pacing, difficulty concentrating * Repeated vocal outbursts, shouting or complaining * Doesn't interact with other children * Repeated physical complaints without medical cause (headaches, stomach aches) * Significant change in appetite (not due to appropriate dieting) * Change in sleep patterns There are also some serious and critical symptoms associated with depression in children. Medical intervention is imperative if a child displays any of these symptoms. * Suicidal thoughts, feelings or self-harming behavior * Abuse or prolonged use of alcohol or other drugs As difficult as it may be to accept, studies show that children as young as 6 years old use street drugs. The use of drugs and alcohol among children is known to create depression. Drugs can cause mood swings, but on the other hand, someone with depression or mania may use drugs to take away the pain of uncontrollable mood changes. Determining if drugs or alcohol plays a part in a child's depression often requires some expert detective work. Parents need to be objective and discover if indeed that is part of the situation and be prepared to delve into all possibilities. The correct diagnosis of depression is complicated and a mental health practitioner should be consulted. Working with your doctor you can come to a consensus as to the proper treatment for the child. Depression in children is treatable. Noticing any unusual symptoms is the first step. Getting help is the second one.
Faye B. Roberts is an independent researcher and author on depression and sheds some light on a subject that has been in the dark far too long. Visit Coping With Depression For related articles visit my blog: Defining Depression
send email to fayebe
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
The thought of speaking in public makes most people break out in a cold sweat, feel faint, and see spots in front of their eyes. If you have this type of reaction there are a number of strategies you can use to help you overcome your phobia about public s
Category:
Depression in children is different from the normal "blues" and usual emotions that happens as a child develops.
Category:
In today's world in the Internet marketing business there are literally millions of websites trying to get the attention of the web-surfer. It is your job to get your website seen by as many of these web surfers as possible.
Category:
Depression is a ailment that affects one in six people making it the most commonly diagnosed mental health problem. It affects your disposition,way of thinking,conduct,floods your mind with negative emotions and even your physical health.
Category:
Speaking with confidence in public can be a tremendously difficult thing for some people. There are a number of things you can do to to overcome your nervousness, but realize that even experienced speakers get nervous.
Category:
Only a member of the medical profession can properly diagnose your symptoms of depression and should be consulted if you, or a loved one is displaying signs of depressed behavior.
Category:
Etiquette is important in every aspect of our lives, especially in Divorce Court. The etiquette you display in divorce court can have a huge impact on the outcome of your divorce settlement.
Category:
Studies support that the divorce rate is up in America by nearly fifty percent. Our world has changed so much over the years, it is no wonder that the number of divorces have been elevated.
Category:
It can be difficult to think about, let alone start a new life after divorce.
Category:
Social networking websites, over the past few years, have swiftly grown in popularity. But these sites do not offer the business person a chance to connect with other people in business.
Category:
Do you think you may be suffering from clinical depression? Have you ever asked yourself "Am I depressed"? Take this simple screening test.
Category:
Many online marketing business people frequently place a paid ad in an ezine as one of there first forms of advertising. This is a solid method to get targeted traffic to your website.
Category:
Are you looking to buy Domain Name or other business tools needed to market your business . Look no further if you would like to make money when you buy domain names or any of the the other products that Gibsales has to offer.
Category:
Divorce filing forms or divorce papers are part of the litigation process when two people decide to dissolve their marriage.
Category:
Living with someone who is depressed is very challenging. Understanding depression is very difficult for a person who is not depressed.
Category:
Other links at Disease & Illness > Depression
Depresson can affect up to about 16% of the populaton of the Unted States. Whle t some cases t s rather mld, others are not so fortunate. Treatment of some knd, n the more extreme cases, s usually necessary n order to help the
Category:
Depression is quickly becoming one of the biggest health problems in the world. According to a study by USA Magazine, 75% of doctor visits in the US are for stress and depression related illnesses. Clinical depression is Australia's fastest growing illnes
Category:
Most people experience normal fluctuations in mood. This is a relatively normal experience. However, there are many who suffer with fluctuations in mood on a consistent basis. Many even experience relatively low moods for extended periods of time. This is
Category:
Depression can be a matter of life and death, so help from others is of vital importance. Since depression affects millions of people each year, chances are you may know someone who suffers from this terrible illness. Helping someone with
Category:
Depression is one of the most common secondary conditions associated with anxiety disorder. Sometimes the resulting depression becomes the primary diagnosis, so that the underlying anxiety disorder either goes untreated or unrecognized.
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68252
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
