¶ … psychiatric disorder of childhood depression. The information will discuss how the disorder is diagnosed, the prevalence rates, theories concerning the etiology of depression and various treatments that are available for childhood depression.
While many people may overlook this serious mental condition that occurs within some children, others are facing the reality of the disorder on a daily basis. More information is becoming readily available that offers research about depression in children and is very helpful to those seeking prognosis and treatment of their loved ones. Many times, depression in children and adolescents is overlooked or misdiagnosed. This paper will discuss symptoms and treatment of depression in children.
Depression
Depression is a mental problem that affects people of all ages, race, and economic levels. The diagnosis is becoming more acceptable and is commonly treated with antidepressant drug therapy. The patient is not only affected by treatment, but the drug and insurance companies also have financial concerns. The following articles are examined and discuss the treatment, use of medication, and therapy for children.
O'Conner (1997) explains that depression affects people of all ages and backgrounds. When treated properly, 70% of those who suffer with depression have a successful recovery.
Some symptoms of adolescent depression are similar to those in other age groups, but depressed adolescents may also "act out" by showing anger, becoming aggressive or delinquent, abusing drugs or alcohol, doing poorly in school, or running away. They may feel socially isolated, empty, and hopeless. During the past three decades, suicide among adolescents has increased 300%, so severe symptoms or symptoms lasting for weeks should lead to an evaluation by a doctor.
The article, "National Trends in the Outpatient Treatment of Depression" (Olfson, Marcus, Druss, Elinson, Tanielian, and Pincus 2002) discusses the 1990's increased treatment of depression on an outpatient basis. Drugs had been developed that had fewer side effects and became more widely used as doctor's diagnosed depression during regular office visits. Drugs began to replace psychotherapy and were drug treatment became more acceptable among the insurance companies. The objective was to compare trends in outpatient treatment of depressive disorders in the United...
Childhood Depression Major depressive disorder, or MDD, may affect up to twenty percent of the adult population. The recognition of depression as a serious and common mental disorder has been vital in the identification and treatment of depression in adults. Leaps and bounds have been made in the field of depression research. The widespread recognition of the many possible causes of depression, including chemical imbalances with genetic or medical origins as
Relationships provide the key experience that connects children's personal and social worlds. It is within the dynamic interplay between these two worlds that minds form and personalities grow, behavior evolves and social competence begins." (1999) Howe relates that it is being acknowledged increasingly that "...psychologically, the individual cannot be understood independently of his or her social and cultural context. The infant dos not enter the world as a priori
Depression continues to be one of most common medical conditions for the elderly. Percentages of elderly with the illness Degree of increase in suicidal tendencies of depressed Wrong assumption that aging necessitates depression. Difficulty of healthcare providers in recognizing depression. Increased tendency toward suicidal tendencies in many depressed. Other individuals immune to depression and suicide despite life problems. Individuals may not even recognize their own depression Myths associated with aging including depression Symptoms may take months to worsen and
(Obesity in Young Children: Impact and Intervention. NICHM Research Brief. 2004). The report echoes the views of many other critics that there is a decided need for further research to understand how overweight status can impact on children's mental health. This has led to calls for many professionals to deal with the problem at a school level -- and particularly with regard to the formalization of physical exercise for children.
Another factor which has been proven to be linked to obesity is breast-feeding. Children that are breast-fed are less likely to become obese than bottle-fed infants. ("Further..." 2003) Other reasons cited for the increase in obesity among children is a lack of education (such as mandatory physical education programs) and a lack of safe places to exercise in urban areas. (Michael & Styne 1999) The best approach to treating childhood obesity
Depression in Adolescents Roughly nine percent of the population - an estimated 18.8 million Americans -- suffers from depressive disorders, illnesses that affect the body as well as the mind. The effects of depression are magnified in children, who are experiencing depression in greater numbers. An estimated 8.3% of teenagers in the United States are suffering from depression, a significant leap from two decades ago. To compound the problem, researchers like Farmer
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