Depression; It is a mental disorder in which unhappiness, loss of interest, lack of enjoyment in daily activities, restlessness, lack of concentration, loss of energy, appetite and sleep disorders are observed. Unfortunately, the incidence of depression in children and adolescents is increasing. The good news is that depression in children and adolescents is treatable. With early diagnosis and treatment, the negative effects on family, school and social environments are reduced, and substance use, suicide and the development of resistant depression are prevented.
Is My Child Depressed?
The main depression that can be seen in children and adolescents. Symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Loss of interest in daily activities and activities that they enjoyed in the past
- Distancing from friends and family (social withdrawal)
- Sleep problems (inability to fall asleep, interrupted sleep, waking up tired, sleeping too much)
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Truancy from school, decrease in academic success
- Physical complaints for which the reason cannot be found (headache, stomach ache, etc.)
- Easy, unexplained crying
- Feeling exhausted, tired
- Disliking -not being valued-misunderstood-guilty thoughts
- Difficulty in focusing
- Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide attempts.
For the diagnosis of depression, all of the above symptoms must be seen in the child. It is not. The appearance of symptoms may vary depending on the child's age and developmental level. The symptoms must be present for a period of 2 weeks and negatively affect the child's daily life.
Why Do Children Become Depressed?
Although the exact cause of depression is not known, it can be said that genetic predisposition and environmental factors play a role. . Factors that are effective in the emergence of depression:
- Familial predisposition (depression, suicide history in family members)
- Childhood traumas
- Negative family environment (divorce). , substance-alcohol use in parents, neglect)
- Negative-conflict relationships with family
- School failure
- Personality characteristics of the child (being anxious, shy etc.)
- Having a physical disease
- Female gender to be
- Medication use (steroids, isotretinoin etc.)
How is Depression Diagnosed in a Child?
A test that shows that there is depression or there is no examination. When you consult a child and adolescent psychiatrist; Physical diseases that may mimic depression (thyroid diseases, medication use, etc.) are excluded. The diagnosis is made by your psychiatrist according to the information obtained during the psychiatric examination performed with the child, you and, if necessary, other relevant people.
Do Other Disorders Accompany Depression in Children?
Depression is often accompanied by other mental disorders. . The most common disorders accompanying depression are; anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and substance addiction.
How is Depression Treated in Children?
The aim of treatment should not only be to treat the depression attack. It should also be aimed at maintaining well-being after treatment and preventing new depression attacks. The methods and approaches to be used in treatment may vary depending on the severity of symptoms, the child's age and development level, the socioeconomic status of the family, and whether there is an additional disease. In the treatment of depression in children and adolescents;
- Detailed information is given to the patient and family about depression and its treatment
- The family is included in the treatment process
- Communication between the child and the family is supported. and strengthened
- Attitude and approach errors in the child and family are eliminated
- Cooperation is made with the school and guidance service
- Lifestyle changes (nutrition, sleep, related to exercise) is done
- Support psychotherapy (problem solving, coping with problems, improving social skills) is applied
- Structured Psychotherapy (Bi Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, etc.) are applied
- Drug treatment (if necessary)
- Inpatient treatment (if there are risks such as suicidal thoughts/attempts, self-harm, etc.)
If you notice symptoms of depression in your child, try to talk to your child about the symptoms, avoid a judgmental-critical attitude, be supportive. Early recognition and intervention prevents or minimizes your child's familial, academic and social losses due to depression.
eren
Read: 0
