Depressive Disorder in Children and Adolescents
In the 1970s, it was thought that adults did not have depression-like depression in children. Today, we know that depression is seen in children starting from early childhood, and specific symptoms appear according to the specific developmental period.
Infancy depression, which we call “analytic depression”, is seen after separation from the mother or primary caregiver during infancy. While these babies initially present with complaints such as crying, restlessness, and insomnia, the situation may worsen by turning into symptoms such as tired, sluggish, stagnant, anorexia, and constipation when deprivation from the mother continues. Their interest in the environment decreases.
There may be a genetic predisposition or negative life events in depressions that occur in the primary school period. Parent loss, separation, change of place, school change, traumas such as. In this age group, symptoms such as low mood, irritability, restlessness, reluctance to play, boredom, thinking that one is not loved, anxieties, sleep problems, behavioral problems, fears, urine and poop incontinence may occur. The child is reluctant and unhappy. He does not want to do the activities he used to enjoy.
In adolescence, symptoms such as irritability, unhappiness, reluctance, decrease in self-confidence, introversion, thoughts of worthlessness, decrease in self-confidence, pessimism, attention problems, sleep and appetite problems, negative thoughts about life, suicidal thoughts or attempts are seen. Reluctance may be related to daily life, interests, or school, and these young people have problems attending school. Since symptoms related to attention and forgetfulness are added to the table, there may be a decline in academic achievement. They do not want to study, their school success decreases, they may not want to go to school. They don’t want to follow school rules. They have problems in relationships with family and friends due to irritability. They may do old behaviors that they haven’t done before. Such as smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, inappropriate sexual relations, getting in trouble with the law, theft. Depression lasts for a long time and is likely to recur even if it resolves.
When this difference arises, the family may have difficulty in understanding the reason for it at first. He notices a difference in his child, but may not know what it is. Conflicts can arise when there is a difference between what is and what is expected of their child. It is known that children and young people with depression have more conflicted family relationships, parents are more rejecting, they are more irritable, negative, stimulating, less expressive of their emotions and less supportive.
A detailed evaluation is made when parents seeking help regarding emerging symptoms apply to child psychiatry. The causes and symptoms of depression are evaluated. The child and family are informed. Negative life events that cause depression and the problems caused by depression are discussed. Treatment options include psychotherapy, behavioral therapies, family therapy, and drug use.
