Depression in Children
One of the top 5 most common mental health disorders in children is depression. Diagnosing depression in children is quite challenging since they may still experience periods of normal functioning despite their underlying disorder. As for diagnosing depression in adolescents, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the normal teen-related mood changes and those that come with depression. Nevertheless, early diagnosis is important since if depression in children is overlooked, it may persist through adulthood.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Children
- persistent low mood
- persistent sadness
- lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- a lingering feeling of tiredness and exhaustion
- lethargy
- agitation
- sleeping too much or too little
- eating too much or too little
- feeling numb/emotionless
- ongoing guilty feelings
- poor memory
- poor concentration
- lack of self-esteem
- lack of self-confidence
- self-harming thoughts
- suicidal thoughts
Anxiety and Depression in Children
Anxiety Disorders in Children
Separation Anxiety Disorder – child experiences fears related to an attachment figure being harmed or dying
Social Phobia a.k.a. Social Anxiety Disorder – fear of being watched and judged by others
Generalised Anxiety Disorder – worrying on different events or circumstances
Specific Phobia – fear of a particular object or stimulus
Panic Disorder – sudden panic attacks related to somatic and cognitive sensations
Emotional Unstable Personality Disorder EUPD
Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder a.k.a. Borderline Personality Disorder is the most common type of personality disorder. EUPD causes intense fluctuating emotions that may last for a few hours to several days at a time. Emotions experienced may include impulsivity, risky behaviour, suicidal thoughts, and possibly self-harm.
A diagnosis of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder is usually given in adulthood as the related symptoms are associated with a lifelong personality disorder.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse refers to the use of illegal drugs or prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts.
Alcohol, marijuana and opiates mimic depression symptoms, causing lack of concentration, lack of motivation, and low energy. On the other hand, Amphetamine and Cocaine mimic mania symptoms. Substance abuse tends to trigger social, physical, emotional, and occupational problems.
Individuals with Bipolar Disorder and Depression have an increased risk of substance abuse.
NOTE: Substance abuse does not rule out a mood disorder.
Self-Harm
Self-harm a.k.a. self-injury is a behavioural act in which an individual intentionally harms him/herself, usually without suicidal intention. Adolescents may seek to self-harm as a way of expressing tension, low self-esteem, physical discomfort, and pain. At times, self-harm is sought as a risk-taking act, rebellion against parents, or as an attention-seeking behaviour. However, self-harm can indicate severe psychiatric disorders such as depression, psychosis and PTSD.
Self-harming behaviour is also associated with children having developmental delays, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, and those who have experienced abuse or abandonment.
Suicide
Suicide is one of the main causes of death in children and adolescents. Severe bullying increases the risk of suicide. Additionally, being diagnosed with depression, ADHD, anxiety disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia during childhood also puts the child at a higher risk of suicide.
Reference: https://save.org/about-suicide/
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