Depression is recognised as one of the most common forms of mental health conditions and as such is often referred to as 'the common cold of psychiatry.' The illness may be part of another condition such as bipolar disorder, stand alone or be related to other mental health disorders such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa.
Depression in Childhood Bipolar Disorder
Depression associated with bipolar disorder may either alternate with symptoms of mania throughout the child's day or stand alone, lasting over a long period of time. Symptoms associated with depression in childhood bipolar disorder may just as with mania symptoms be more pronounced at different times throughout the year.
Whereas symptoms related to mania episodes may be more pronounced or noticeable in the spring and summer, depression symptoms may be more prevalent during the autumn and winter months.
Depression Symptoms in Childhood Bipolar Disorder
The majority of symptoms associated with depression in children are the same as those identified in adult sufferers such as lack of energy, poor concentration, irritability, difficulty sleeping and lack of motivation. A child's teacher may recognise that there are marked changed in the child's concentration during lessons and in the way the child behaves during playtime with his or her peers.
Also, the child suffering from depression may change, transforming from an outgoing, confident and friendly child to a youngster who is very withdrawn and prone to crying spells for prolonged periods or as a result of minor incidents. At home, the child may also no longer wish to play with their siblings and homework may take far longer than usual.
Changes to sleeping and eating patterns are also very common and a child may start to have difficulty waking, remaining asleep or getting off to sleep in the evening. Appetite may also be greatly reduced and foods that a child may have previously appeared to enjoy may be simply pushed around with a knife or fork or just picked at.
Help for Children Exhibiting Depression Symptoms
If one's child is exhibiting changes in mood, behaviour or personality it may be a sensible idea to make an appointment with the family doctor to voice one's concerns or get the child checked over. A family doctor will then be able to make any necessary referrals or suggest ways to help the child manage symptoms associated with depression.
While some symptoms may cause great concern they may not necessarily indicate a mental health problem so it is best to seek medical advice if only to put one's concerns to rest.
Source:
Anglada, T. & Hakala, S. (2008) The Childhood Bipolar Disorder Answerbook Illinois: Sourcebooks.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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