WEEK 5: Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents

WEEK 5: Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents

A child or adolescent with persistent depressive disorder will experience a depressed or irritable mood on most days for at least 1 year. The body, emotions, and thoughts of a child are all affected by the depression. It's not the same as being gloomy or down in the dumps. It's also not an indication of immaturity. It is not something that can be hoped or commanded away. Children that are depressed are unable to pull themselves together and improve on their own. Treatment is frequently required. Symptoms may include the following:  Lasting feelings of sadness  Irritability and aggression  Despair  Helplessness  Low self-esteem  Sleep problems  Changes in appetite and weight  Low energy  Problems focusing  Suicidal thoughts or attempts  Running away or threats of running away from home  Disinterest in normal activities CAUSES OF PERSISTENT DEPRESSIVE DISORDER: There is no single cause for persistent depressive disorder. It frequently occurs in the context of other mental health issues, such as substance misuse or anxiety. There are unique risk factors for a chronic depressive disorder that include but are not limited to genetics, epigenetics, prior mental illness, high anxiety states, trauma, life stresses, and other social health indicators (Patel, & Rose, 2021). Common risk factors for depression include the following:  Family history of depression  High level of stress  Abuse or neglect  Physical or emotional trauma  Other mental health problems  Loss of a parent, caregiver, or other loved one  Loss of a relationship  Other long-term health problems  Developmental or learning problems DIAGNOSIS OF PERSISTENT DEPRESSIVE DISORDER IN A CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS This disorder is frequently diagnosed by a mental health professional. A thorough mental health examination will be performed. F amily members, instructors, and carers may be consulted. Any psychiatric interview, especially one for diagnostic purposes, requires a thorough history. The accurate diagnosis is determined by investigating symptoms, severity, and sequential progression. Symptoms cannot be absent for greater than 2 months. In addition to depressed/irritable mood, at least 1 one of the following symptoms must be present.