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Depressive Disorders
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Depression affects an estimated 1.2 to 3 million of the 63 million children and adolescents in the United States. In recent years, larger numbers of children and adolescents are being diagnosed with Depression at increasingly younger ages. If untreated, Depression may produce significant disabilities by interfering with normal childhood development, such as establishing friendships and learning social and academic skills. Children and adolescents with depression are at a higher risk for poor grades, alcohol abuse, and suicide. There are two categories of depressive disorders: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Dysthymic Disorder (DD). MDD is characterized by depressed or irritable mood, diminished interest in activities, weight gain or loss, appetite and sleep pattern changes, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate or excessive guilt, difficulties concentrating, and/or recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. These symptoms last for most of the day for nearly everyday for at least 2 weeks. Dysthymic Disorder (DD) is a milder, more chronic form of depression with similar symptoms as MDD. The difference, however, is that the children and adolescents with DD have depressed and irritable mood that is present during most days for at least a year. [Keywords: Depression, poor grades, alcohol abuse, suicide, Major Depressive Disorder, MDD, Dysthymic Disorder, DD, depressed or irritable mood, weight gain or loss, appetite and sleep pattern changes, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate or excessive guilt, difficulties concentrating] |
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