|
Assessment for Childhood Disorders - as young as 1 year of age! |
|
Online Class on Autism!
|
|
|
|
Other Online Classes
When Time-Out & Stickers Don't Work Prepare for MFT Licensing Exam
|
major depression
Major Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness or being "down in the dumps." Approximately 10-25% of women and 5-9% of men will experience Major Depression at some time in their lives. It is more common in an individual that has a first level relative with depression.
There are many types of depression, including Chronic Depression, Depression
with Psychotic Features, Atypical Features, or Catatonic Features. There is
also depression related to Postpartum. Young children can, and do, develop
depression. Typically the depression follows a significant event in the
young child's life, such as the death of a parent, abuse, or divorce.
Children may manifest their depression by acting out aggressively, becoming
oppositional, developing sleep or eating problems, or becoming moody or sad.
Any sudden change in a child's personality should be taken seriously.
Up to 15% of individuals with Major Depressive Disorder die by suicide with
those with general medical conditions, such as stroke, cancer, heart
disease, or diabetes being more at risk for depression than the general
population. It is hard to believe that young children under the age of eight
would even consider such an outlet as suicide, but all although rare, they do.
I often get asked if young children are capable of experiencing depression.
ABSOLUTELY! I have worked with more than one three-year-old who attempted
suicide. In a way, Failure To Thrive is almost a form of depression since
the infant or toddler tends to give up on living.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Sudden change in eating or sleeping patterns
- Unusual or excessive crying or sadness
- Clingy behavior
- Any sudden change in behavior
- Nightmares
- Low energy
- Low self-esteem
- Irritable
- Regression in development
- Angry or resentful
- Death themes in play
- Feels lonely
- Easily frustrated
- Thinks about death
Major Depressive Episodes run their course and end in about 2/3 of the cases. In the other 1/3 of the cases, depression is only partially corrected, or is not corrected at all. One year after depression has been diagnosed, approximately 40% of individuals still report symptoms of depression despite treatment.
|
Tell a friend |
Printer version |
Link to us |
Newsletter |
 Articles |
Back to top |
