¶ … depressive disorder (MDD) is a condition distinguished by the presence of at least one major depressive episode (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000). MDD occurs in adolescents with an estimated annual prevalence of four to eight percent and with a lifetime prevalence of 20% by age 18 (APA, 2000). In addition, the data indicates that the prevalence of depression rates among adolescents is increasing with the greatest surge in rates of depression occurring in adolescents between the ages of 15-18 years-old (Costello, Erkanli, & Angold, 2006).
Previous research has suggested that when MDD occurs in adolescents and children an untreated episode can last from seven to nine months (Sadock & Sadock, 2007). Adolescent depression shares many clinical features similar to depression in adults. Depressed adolescents are sad, they can lose interest in activities that used to be of importance to them, and they are very critical of themselves and believe that others also criticize them (Walkup, 2010). Depressed adolescents also feel unloved, pessimistic, and hopeless about their future; like adults they may think that their lives are not worth living and often can entertain thoughts of suicide (APA, 2000). Depressed adolescents often appear irritable and this irritability can lead to aggression or may lead to acting out in aggressive ways towards others (Walkup, 2010). It is not uncommon for adolescents with MDD to be indecisive, experience difficulties concentrating, lack energy or motivation, and even may neglect their personal appearance and hygiene (Walkup, 2010). In MDD normal sleep patterns are often disturbed as well (APA, 2000).
Yet despite the general similarities in the presentation...
They show that mood swings in depressed children alternate with days of a pervasive down mood. These moods involve sadness, loneliness, unhappiness, hypersensitivity, overreactivity, and negative attitudes. All of this is combined with irritability caused by sadness, self-deprecation ("I am worthless, stupid, and ugly"), feelings of being persecuted by others, an aggressive orientation toward authority, argumentativeness, and suicidal thoughts. Present as well is the trend of self-isolation or withdrawal
GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDERPsychobiology and Neuroscience: Generalized Anxiety DisorderIntroductionFrom the onset, it would be prudent to note that from time to time, most people feel anxious about diverse events or occurrences in life. This is normal. However, it should be noted that when the said anxiety is persistent, exaggerated and/or excessive, then a person could be likely suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). In the past, various interventions have been formulated
, 2010). This point is also made by Yehuda, Flory, Pratchett, Buxbaum, Ising and Holsboer (2010), who report that early life stress can also increase the risk of developing PTSD and there may even be a genetic component involved that predisposes some people to developing PTSD. Studies of Vietnam combat veterans have shown that the type of exposure variables that were encountered (i.e., severe personal injury, perceived life threat, longer duration,
Figure 1 portrays three of the scenes 20/20 presented March 15, 2010. Figure 1: Heather, Rachel, and Unnamed Girl in 20/20 Program (adapted from Stossel, 2010). Statement of the Problem For any individual, the death of a family member, friend, parent or sibling may often be overwhelming. For adolescents, the death of person close to them may prove much more traumatic as it can disrupt adolescent development. Diana Mahoney (2008), with the
Depression in Adolescence Depression in Adolescents The link between symptoms, etiology, core biochemical processes, treatment outcome, and treatment response of affective (mood) disorders is yet to be adequately understood for allowing their categorization, such that it meets universal approval. Still, one has to make an attempt in this regard, and researchers propose a potentially-acceptable one, derived from extensive consultation. In case of affective disorders, the basic disturbance is an affect (mood) change, typically
Depression in Adolescence Depression in Adolescents The link between symptoms, etiology, core biochemical processes, treatment outcome, and treatment response of affective (mood) disorders is yet to be adequately understood for allowing their categorization, such that it meets universal approval. Still, one has to make an attempt in this regard, and researchers propose a potentially-acceptable one, derived from extensive consultation. In case of affective disorders, the basic disturbance is an affect (mood) change, typically
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