Tag: Adolescent Behavior

Depression in Adolescents

Depression in adolescents is a disorder which occurs due to persistent sadness, loss of interest, loss of self worth and discouragement. Depression is normally a temporary reaction towards situations of stress. Depression is a normal part of the maturation process of adolescents. It is even induced due to production of sex hormones. Adolescent females are depressed twice more than adolescent boys according to a study.

Adolescent behavior is normally marked with good and bad moods. The transition from a good mood to bad mood and vice-versa, can take minutes, hours and even days. That is the reason why true depression is very difficult to find out. Depression in adolescents can be caused due to bad school performance, break up with boyfriend or girlfriend, and failing relations with friends and family. These causes can lead to persistent depression. Other serious causes are chronic illness, obesity, child abuse, stressful lifestyle, poor social skills, unstable care giving and depression in family history.

Symptoms of depression in adolescents are eating disorders, weight change, irritable mood, excessive sleeping in daytime, excessive temper, criminal behavior, memory loss, fatigue, self preoccupation, sadness, difficulty in concentrating, worthlessness feelings, loss of interest, self hatred, obsession with death and thought & attempts of suicides. When these symptoms are being noticed for more than two weeks, it is important to get treatment for the adolescent. Depression not only affects interpersonal relationships, but school performance as well. Depressed adolescents are more prone to take onto drugs and alcohol as an attempt to overcome their depression. Such problems require intensive treatment.

The doctor will take blood test and perform physical examination to determine the cause of depression. The adolescent can also be tested for substance abuse such as smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, marijuana smoking, and usage of other drugs. After the physical examination, psychiatric evaluation is also done to understand the cause of sadness, loss of interest and irritability. Depression can also lead to the development of other psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mania and anxiety. It is also important to determine whether the adolescent poses a risk for himself/herself and others. Family and school personnel can provide valuable information about the adolescent to the doctor.

Treatment for depression for adolescent is similar to the treatment of depression for adults. Along with the treatment, the adolescent are given antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. Antidepressant medications include tricyclics, Prozac, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRI. Some of the medicines increase the risk, so it is a good idea that parents discuss the possible risks with the doctor. Only some of the antidepressant medications are meant for children and adolescents. Adolescents with severe depression need to be hospitalized as they are more prone to kill themselves.

Family and school support is necessary to tackle the depression of the adolescent. Parents can get their children admitted in emotional growth schools, boot camps or wilderness programs, to solve the behavioral problems. These programs consist of non medical staff and confrontational therapies. But care must be taken as some of the programs can in turn harm children who are depressed and sensitive. Adolescents, who get caught due to criminal offense, should be taken special care of by their parents. It is best that the child face the consequences and learn a lesson from it. Depressed adolescents respond well to treatment if they are treated comprehensively and early. More than half of the adults are known to have depression when they were in their teens.

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Is Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents Possible

If you’re seriously interested in knowing about bipolar, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about bipolar.

It runs in the family

With the above stated fact, it goes to fair that children and adolescents can acquire bipolar disorder if their parents or someone within the family is also suffering from the disease. More likely, children may adopt the illness but symptoms will show only when they have reached their adolescent stage.

Although, compared to adults who have the disorder and symptoms is more defined, diagnosing based on the evident manifestations through the behavior of children and adolescents are hastened and can be experienced almost every lifetime. Mood swings that include mania and depression can occur multiple times a day.

Children who experiences avidity are expected to be irritable and hold destructive tantrums that is caused by being joyful or elated. Symptoms of mixed episodes are common in adolescents or youths having the disorder. Older adolescents who have developed the illness have symptoms and episodes that are deeper notable in adults and are considered more classical.

Diagnosing bipolar disorder in children and adolescents is harder than with adults. Apart from mood swings that are obvious because of the unstable swinging of emotions caused by terms of growing maturing, being hyper and depressed is also considered normal and is within the range of children and adolescent behavior.

Furthermore, there are some symptoms that can also be associated with other disorders like the aggressiveness and irritability of a child constraint also be associated with ADHD or Attention Shortcoming Hyperactive Disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and other mental disorders. Drug abuse is also one factor that may originate congenerous symptoms which are not totally connected with the illness.

According to researches, the disorder may have the alternative to begin during childhood or teenage years but the exact diagnosis of the diseases can be proven upon adulthood. This mental illness amenability affect anyone most especially if that person is exposed to contributing risk factors.

Studies also uttered that when both parents manifest the illness, it has a greater chance due to their children to have the disorder. Alcohol and drug abuse through the history of the family can also act as considered because a contributing factor.

Symptoms in children and adolescents are almost the same with adults but some may differ and may be lighter.

Manic episodes may include the following:

Perfectionist increase in self – esteem ( a child perceiving that he is Superman )

Juicy distracted

Recur increased risk – taking attitude that may be associated with sexual promiscuity, alcohol and drug abuse, etc.

Ability to talk in a hastily – paced manner and at the same time talking too much

Increased energy and has the ability to go on for days without the appropriate amount of sleep

Depressive episodes include the following:

Persistent emotional disturbance like frequent outburst of attribute

Always in a depressed mood with blood of a bitch

Lack of enjoyment in usual activities

Poor concentration, boredom, fatigue and low energy level

Abrupt change in sleeping and eating patterns

Frequently complains about physical pains

Teenagers having bipolar disorder may have the greatest possibility to be treated compared to adults already manifesting the illness. Some of the major treatment modalities are medications that can used to stabilize the persons mood swings, educating the family and friends, and preventing depression. In order to treat the illness effectively, medical authorities must diagnose the disorder correctly.
The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you’ll be glad you took the time to learn more about bipolar.