![]() ![]() It is important to keep in mind the fact that many depressed children refuse to admit to their feelings, and parents often overlook the subtle behaviors that signal a mood disorder. Talk of suicide (even if you are not sure whether it is serious), a suicide attempt, self-injury, any violent behavior, or severe withdrawal should be considered an emergency that requires the immediate attention of your child’s pediatrician, psychologist, or local hospital.Ī depressed child may admit to feeling guilty or sad, or she may deny having any problems. (In fact, research has shown that the intactness of a child’s family and its socioeconomic status have little or no effect on whether a child develops MDD.) While children with ADHD/CD alone are not at higher than normal risk for attempting suicide, children with ADHD/CD who also have an MDD and are involved in substance abuse are more likely to make such an attempt and should be carefully watched. Finally, the depression itself stems from no apparent cause-as opposed to being demoralized as a result of specific obstacles posed by ADHD or becoming depressed in response to parental divorce or any other stressful situation. Her inability to concentrate differs from ADHD-type inattention in that it is accompanied by other symptoms of depression, such as loss of appetite or loss of interest in favorite activities. ![]() Unlike the brief outbursts of temper exhibited by a child with ODD who does not get her way, a depressed child’s irritability may be nearly constant and not linked to any clear cause. In addition to the symptoms listed previously for dysthymic disorder, a child with MDD may cry daily withdraw from others become extremely self-critical talk about dying or even think about, plan, or carry out a suicide attempt. ![]() Major depressive disorder is marked by a nearly constant depressed or irritable mood or a marked loss of interest or pleasure in all or nearly all daily activities. Finally, the symptoms must be shown to significantly impair your child’s social, academic, or other areas of functioning in daily life. The symptoms also must not be caused by another mood disorder, such as MDD or bipolar disorder, a medical condition, substance abuse, or just related to ADHD itself (low self-esteem stemming from poor functioning in school, for example). Poor concentration or difficulty making decisionsīefore dysthymic disorder can be diagnosed, children must have had these symptoms for a year or longer, although symptoms may have subsided for up to 2 months at a time within that year.To be diagnosed with dysthymic disorder, a child must also have at least 2 of the following symptoms: If your child claims to be depressed, however, or seems irritable or sad a large portion of each day, more days than not, she may have a coexisting dysthymic disorder. Children with ADHD, who so often must deal with extra challenges at school and with peers, may exhibit these behaviors more than most. What to Look ForĮvery child feels discouraged or acts irritable once in a while. There is significant overlap with symptoms of ADHD, and many children with bipolar disorder also qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. Unlike adults who experience distinct periods of elation and significant depression, children with bipolar disorder present a more complex disturbance of extreme emotional instability, behavioral difficulties, and social problems. Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder that has only recently been recognized as occurring in children. Dysthymic disorder and MDD typically develop several years after a child is diagnosed with ADHD and, if left untreated, may worsen over time. Major depressive disorder is a more extreme form of depression that can occur in children with ADHD and even more frequently among adults with ADHD. Dysthymic disorder can be characterized as a chronic low-grade depression, persistent irritability, and a state of demoralization, often with low self-esteem. The mood disorders most likely to be experienced by children with ADHD include dysthymic disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and bipolar disorder.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |