CHILDHOOD DEPRESSION

TYPES

Symptoms brought by significant depression can change from individual to individual. To know the type of depression your child has, the doctor may utilize at least one specifier, which implies depression with specific features. Here are a couple of examples.

Anxious distress — depression with worry or stress over certain events

Melancholic— serious depression to something which has excited a child before

Atypical — depression that manifests as more sleep, eating more, and lethargy

SYMPTOMS

Child depression may differ in seriousness and symptoms include a change from the child’s past behavior that can cause huge trouble and issues at school or home, in social activities, or in different everyday issues.

Be alert if you notice these symptoms and signs in your child:

• Behavioral changes
• Tiredness and loss of vitality
• Poor school execution or continuous deficiencies from school
• Less thoughtfulness regarding individual cleanliness or appearance
• Self-hurt
• Suicide attempt

DIAGNOSIS

When child depression is suspected, the doctor will regularly do these tests.

• Physical exam– The doctor may complete a physical exam and get some information about your child health to figure out what might cause health
• Lab tests
• Mental assessment

TREATMENT

Treatment relies upon the type and seriousness of your child’s depression.

If your kid has serious depression or is in threat of self-harm, he or she may need hospitalization or may need to enroll in an outpatient treatment program until symptoms improve.

Here are more depression treatment alternatives:

Medications- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two drugs for depression, fluoxetine, and escitalopram.

Psychotherapy or talk treatment.