Depression in children

August 10, 2011

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Depression in children   - Is one of the mental and emotional disorders, manifested in behavioral changes. Depression in childhood depression different from adults. If a child is sad or irritable, it does not necessarily mean the presence of his doldrums. This can be a normal emotional and psychological changes occur during growth.

But if the symptoms of depression in children are becoming resistant and devastating impact on the social activity of the child, it may indicate that a child's depression. The child's behavior can become uncontrollable, it conflicts with others, skips school, which leads to a decrease in school performance. The child may start to drink alcohol, smoke, can communicate with the "bad company" could even reach up to suicidal thoughts.

Depression can even occur in infants, but most often occurs in children deprived of parental care who are in orphanages, children's homes. Negative symptoms tend to accumulate, kids are constantly crying, they lack parental love and warmth. In severe depression may occur hallucinations , Illusion. Usually children depression last from one month to a year, and often longer. It is very important in such cases prevention of childhood depression   and consulting psychiatrist of all family members.

Causes of depression in children

The exact cause of depression is unknown, probably, there are several crucial factors - hereditary . Physiological . psychological . social . In young children may have a negative impact of separation from the mother and the family because of the space in kindergarten, for children over 5 years - scandals in the family, divorce of parents. With 7 years of the most important factors of depression are school problems - change of class, poor attitude of the teachers, quarrels with schoolmates.

Most often, children's depression appear after emotional turmoil - the loss of parents, other relatives, death of a loved pet, quarrels with friends, from the test psychological pressure .

Causes of depression in children can be complex, that is manifested in violation of health, family relations, and various biochemical changes in the body, physical or sexual violence.

Especially prone to depression children whose parents suffer from depression, alcoholism, and families with healthy relationships and climate, the children often independently solve arising psychological problems.

There are also Seasonal Depression Associated with the body's sensitivity to changes in climate conditions. Symptoms of depression may be caused by taking certain medications - steroids, painkillers, which is composed of drugs.

Symptoms of depression in children

The symptoms of childhood depression are different from the symptoms of depression in adults. K primary symptoms   depression in children include: irrational fears, sadness, feelings of helplessness, mood swings. They may also exhibit sleep disturbances (insomnia, drowsiness Nightmares), eating disorders, reduction of social activity, constant feeling of fatigue, the desire for self-isolation, low self-esteem, problems with memory and concentration, the emergence of thoughts of death and suicide.

Often manifest elements non-standard behavior   - Sudden causeless unwillingness to play your favorite games, there is unreasonably aggressive reactions, children become rebellious and irritable, they "do not like it all." Anxiety in depression is most pronounced in the evening and at night.

Typical symptoms of depression in children - somatic symptoms, complaints of ill health, for various pain ( headache , Toothache, abdominal pain), which are not treated with medication. There may be panic and neurotic disorders   - Palpitations, dizziness , Nausea, chills, often accompanied by the fear of death. Depression in children often disguised as anxiety, reduced school performance, impaired communication with peers, listlessness. These ailments can be both diverse Sharply successive and Monotone   one complaint.

Various symptoms of depression in children vary in different children. For example, the development of infants less complicated by severe manifestations of depression. In young children, decreased appetite, they become more capricious.

Preschoolers often observed disorders of motor activity, changes in health - frequent headaches, upset stomach, as well as the desire for solitude, sadness, lack of energy, fear of the dark, alone, crying spells. In elementary school children become withdrawn, shy, insecure, lose interest in studies, games, complain about the "anguish", "boredom", "urge to cry."

The closer to adolescence, the more pronounced the symptoms of irritability, depressed mood, sadness. In depression there is increased tearfulness, ready to cry at the slightest excuse. In remarks adult children react with increased sensitivity. At school, children may become distracted, forget a notebook at home, do not understand what they read, it is easy to forget learned. There may be a slow, slackness Unwillingness to attend sports activities.

Diagnosing depression in children

If you suspect that your child is sick with depression, it is necessary to pay attention to this. It is necessary to carefully and be sensitive to the child's state of mind, quietly talking to him about what was bothering him, to talk frankly, not scream and do not put pressure on him. If the child is worried feeling guilty Explain to him that he was not responsible for what is happening. If depressed delayed for more than 3 weeks, it is necessary to turn to child psychiatrist .

Many parents try to cope with the symptoms of the disease yourself - treat pain pills, isolate the child from peers, not allowed to go to school. However, this is not true, child psychology is very complex thing, unformed child's mind is still fragile and are best left to specialist treatment. The sooner you contact the person, the easier it will be to leave a child from a disease state. For school children and adolescents with depression, possible early diagnosis of depression in children. Diagnosis is based on physical examination, psychological testing, laboratory tests.

Treatment of depression in children

Treating depression includes sessions medical therapy If prolonged depression can be used antidepressant medication medications prescribed by a doctor, the constant evaluation of the state, it is also possible psychiatric treatment. By psychotherapeutic methods of treatment include: cognitive behavioral therapy It aimed at developing children of a certain way of thinking, behavior, elements interpersonal therapy Focusing on establishing a child's relationship with others, as well as family therapy In which the whole family participates. Children depression in very young children are treated using methods play therapy . It is of drugs fluoxetine   - The only antidepressant approved for use by children.

Less commonly used atypical antidepressants ( Bupropion ), And tricyclic antidepressants ( amitriptyline, desipramine ) Having a number of side effects. It is important to note that the safety of antidepressants for use by children is not fully understood.

The most effective proven method of treatment that combines sessions cognitive behavioral therapy   and regular intake of fluoxetine. When running variants of the disease is very possible hospitalization. We need to show compassion and understanding, its distraction from the painful thoughts, switch to something that is interesting to the child. Treatment of depression in children in the home includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, restful sleep. More needs to communicate with the child, listen to his problems, empathy, set for the best.

Prevention of childhood depression

The risk of depression can be reduced if to raise a child in families with calm psychological situation Where good and balanced relations. It's important to respect the child and his mood like in a family, as in kindergarten, school. The child will feel better among people who understand and accept it for what it is. The unconditional parental love is the foundation of a healthy child's psyche. It is necessary that the child involved in sports, had some fascination, could realize themselves in it. Useful long walks, good nutrition, healthy sleep. We must spend time with him as much as possible - to talk together to solve problems.