Depression and Bipolar - Child

Child and Teen Depression and Bipolar Disorder

Child Depression: Depression has sometimes been referred to as the ‘common cold’ of emotional health due to its frequency and high prevalence rates. The presentation of depression can vary from unwanted feelings of sadness, loneliness, or chronic irritability to more serious presentations leading to impaired academic functioning, social withdrawal, feelings of hopelessness, and in some cases suicide. Depression can affect a child or teen’s ability to enjoy themselves and if left untreated may be associated with academic decline, family conflict, and poor choices regarding sexual behaviors and drugs. It has been more common for some children and teens to engage in self-harm or cutting behaviors. These dangerous behaviors which are commonly associated with Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder can include more superficial self-harm behaviors to dangerous attempts to harm oneself. All of these behaviors, as well as a child or teen’s own statements about wishing to harm themselves or unhappiness with their life situation should be taken seriously and professionals should be contacted. 

Signs and symptoms of depression in children and teens may include:

Depression is no one's fault. The causes of depression are varied. While genetically some children may be more vulnerable to depression and life stressors, depression can affect anyone.  It is important not to make children or teens feel guilty or to blame for the way they feel. A warm, open, and nonjudgmental approach on the part of the parents can help children to be more comfortable communicating their feelings. It can be extremely frustrating for parents supporting a child who may be experiencing symptoms of depression as they may be more prone to power struggles, argumentative behaviors, and less likely to cooperate with school.

Counseling and Therapy: Counseling can help children and teens with depression. Therapy can also be a helpful addition to medication in assisting children in learning strategies to cope more effectively and build skills to become more resistant to symptoms of depression in the future. A counselor working with the child or teen can also help parents learn how to best support their children, as well as serve as an impartial mediator and negotiator for conflict that may have arisen in the family. Our therapists are skilled in helping parents devise behavioral plans to help reinforce and support children as well as modifying and changing negative behaviors.

TO CONTACT US WITH A QUESTION OR TO SCHEDULE AN INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH A COUNSELOR OR PSYCHOLOGIST EXPERIENCED IN TREATING OR ASSESSING CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION, CALL (630) 588-8490 OR CLICK BELOW.

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens
Bipolar Disorder in children and teens typically results in severe emotional or behavioral problems and nearly always should be treated with medication as well as individual or family therapy. Bipolar Disorder can be challenging both for the child and the family looking to support and help their child. Children diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder will often experience depressive symptoms as well as manic or hypomanic symptoms. It may be important to have psychological testing performed to rule out other disorders that may mirror some of the symptoms of Bipolar disorder including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and attachment/trauma related disorders.

What makes Bipolar Disorder in children and teens unique from depression is the presence of manic or hypomanic episodes. These mood swings can be characterized by periods of mania or extreme elation and frantic energy or periods of intense agitation and potentially aggressive and destructive behaviors. During manic episodes a child may be more impulsive, display poor judgment, appear to have very little control of his or her behavior or emotions, sleep little, or exhibit quick, drastic, and extreme mood changes. Children or teens may feel that they have little control over their moods which can worsen symptoms of depression and low self-esteem. Suicide is even more of a risk factor for children who suffer from Bipolar Disorder. It is widely agreed that there is a strong neurochemical component to Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder can be extremely difficult to assess as it shares features and can occur with several other disorders such as ADHD, anxiety issues, depression, trauma, and attachment issues.

Signs and symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in children and adolescents may include:

Office Contact and Location:
Pathways Psychology Services
Phone: 630-588-8490
Fax: 630-588-8491
E-mail: drjoe@pathways-psychology.com
27W130 Roosevelt Road, Suite 203
Winfield, IL 60190