Depression is a very real disease that affects millions of Americans every year. Nationally recognized psychiatrists all over the country help their communities by providing psychotherapeutic solutions for those in whom depression manifests. Although it?s typically thought of as something mostly affecting adults, depression commonly presents itself in children. Compounding this issue, it?s often more challenging to diagnose in kids, particularly those under the age of twelve. As a result, some kids silently suffer from the mental condition.
The same factors that lead to adult depression affect children as well. These include genetic disposition, drug use, family history, physical health and life-changing events. Symptoms of childhood depression include:
?Lingering despair
?Change in appetite
?Changes in sleep patterns
?Concentration difficulties
?Social withdrawal
?Irritability
?Guilty, worthless feelings
?Thoughts of suicide
Mental health issues have a stigma, which may cause many parents to deny that something could be wrong with their child. Children whose parents are depressed are also more likely to develop symptoms. However, just because a child is depressed does not mean the parents are somehow bad. It is vital, though, that parents pick up on it early and seek treatment.
Medical diagnosis ? especially in children ? can be tricky, for there are no medical tests that will confirm depression. A question-and-answer session involving the child, parent(s) and the therapist is required. Before the condition is able to fester, a psychiatrist must be consulted. The risk of suicide increases dramatically for depressed children. In addition to depressive symptoms, other suicidal warning signs include:
?Isolation from family and friends
?Talking about suicide
?Aberrant actions (behavioral, sexual, risk-taking)
?Drug/alcohol abuse
Conquering the disease starts with diagnosing that there is a problem. The earlier the better, for depression doesn?t merely subside. A clinical mental health professional will administer individual therapy, but family therapy may be advised as well. Well-structured therapy is the best approach for treating the condition, although antidepressants or another type of medicine may be prescribed.
For some kids, depression manifests as a symptom of another mental or physical illness. Depression may mask bipolar disorder, ADHD, or oppositional defiance disorder, or it could arise from a physical problem like diabetes, obesity, cancer and other diseases. The connection between depression and physical illness works both ways. Depression can lower one?s immunity and increase susceptibility to physical problems. Likewise, the pain or stigma from a physical illness can cause depression.
If you think your child is depressed, counseling specialists are there to help. Identifying childhood depression early on is imperative given its damaging effects, its relationship to physical disease and the increased risk of suicide it brings. With your love and support and the help of a qualified mental health professional, your child or teen can escape the mental morass of depression and live free again.
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Author Stephen Daniels highly recommends Nationally Recognized Psychiatrist professional Dr. Ron Zedek for the diagnosis and treatment of teen and childhood depression. He also helps patients with anxiety disorders, substance abuse, or any combination of these mental health issues. Dr. Zedek brings more than 12 years experience in treating mental health issues for patients in and around Las Vegas.
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