Depression in Children: Types, Symptoms and Treatment - Research Paper

Introduction

Depression comes in children comes in two ways, dysthymia which is chronic but less severe and lasts up to two years, and the other form is significant depression which may occur and last up to two weeks with a prevalence of re-occurring in the child's life more than once in their lifetime. There are some elements in a child's life and growth that can help one to identify if they are suffering from depression such as irritability or feeling angry, poor eating habits, concentration lapse, and sleeping difficulties, among others. Research shows that, for parents who are depressed, their children are at higher risk of getting depressed (Gilbert, 2016). Furthermore, estimations show that 2 to 3 percent of minors aged 6 to 12 may be experiencing severe depression, with a massive 60 percent of the children unable to receive treatment this is according to a report published in 2015 by Child Mind Institute Children's Mental Health (Verduyn, 2011).

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Case Study

The study focuses on a girl by the name Hannah 8years of age. Those who knew her described her as a sensitive and bright girl who liked to face new experiences. The first assessments done on her showed that she suffered from depression; at night, s lack of sleep and could not sleep without the lights on; also, poor eating habits as she skipped meals frequently. Sometimes she had an irritable mood most of the time, tearful moments, although her behavior was moderately okay. Furthermore, her parents had separated, and Hannah and her mother relocated to a different geographical location, and she had to change schools. The new school presented challenges to her as she experienced bullying and had a hard time making new friends.

Decision #1

The first decision looking into Hannah's situation was to use therapy, more so, Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which, to a greater extent, has been proven to treat depression in children effectively. The program involves lessons taught to the child on the different techniques and skills to minimize and eliminate depression (Chrissie, 2011). Moreover, comprehensive examinations that encompass the collection of background information of the affected child together with their family, maybe their school and other people who might be involved actively in her life with some questionnaires included.

The most crucial factor in this type of treatment is where the child's problems are identified as in regards to her views, and therefore a typical formulation about presentable difficulties can be successfully developed. Also, it is essential to outline specific goals regarding the therapy outcome. Moreover, in between 4 to 5 sessions upon therapy admission, the use of cognitive techniques is adopted, which represents the identification of negative thoughts, distorted thinking recognition, and cognitive restructuring. Importantly, the patient is actively engaged in monitoring their thoughts, behavior, and feelings and also has the control to challenge their negative thoughts; also, the adaption of strategies to deal with social interaction is utilized to help in combating the difficulties arising from social engagements.

A psychiatrist, Wendy Nash, MD from child mind institute, says that when it comes to depression, the one excellent treatment option for consideration is therapy, which she recommends in addition to her prescribed medication to her patients. Wendy expresses her opinion that people need to acquire the essential skills administered during treatment and noted that the skills acquired by children during therapy would have a long-lasting effect on their lives. Additionally, the therapy sessions take a short time to complete about 12 weeks, but in the long term, the benefits acquired are far much more significant.

The use of Cognitive-behavioral therapy serves as a tool to mobilize the child to expand their relationship in terms of peer-related actions and also reduces the chances of bad performances or lack of concentration in school. More so, there is a sense of achievement gained through behavior tasks, and to an extent, acquire new skills. The only minor setback on using CBT is the alienation effects of depression on the patient is that the performances of the child stagnate. However, this is not a significant issue as school performances may involve a host of other greater problems such as lack of interest in a given subject

Decision #2

The practice of lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet check represents an excellent way to fight depression. Additionally, change in lifestyle is simple yet a compelling way to treat depression, and it may even be the only thing needed to treat depression cases.

Lifestyle Changes Are Simple but Powerful Tools in the Treatment of Depression

Neuroscientists discovered that people with depression have a smaller hippocampus in their brains that helps in regulating moods. They further recommend support exercise to assist in the growth of nerve cell hippocampus hence improved nerve cell connections, which results in relieved depression," explains Dr. Miller (Brown et al., 2013). Furthermore, the intended patient feels more stress-free and improve her mood overall. Moreover, exercise makes the body to increase the production of antidepressants. A study by Mayo Clinic suggested that a 30-minute training a day was more effective in depression treatment, and it would necessarily not require the use of medication. Additionally, there was a small difference in the expectations since Hannah was not able to perform the required exercises effectively. Consistency was a big issue since activities require performing them regularly and considering the age of the patient, it will be much harder.

Decision #3

The use of prescribed medication from a qualified doctor in the respective field is an excellent alternative to therapy and other treatment methods. The drug of choice is Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors, which are recommended by doctors for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in both children and adults.

This medication should be the last resort for severe depression, and the patient should seek doctors' advice on medication for a more severe type of depressive symptoms or recommend both medication and therapy for effectiveness. Also, it is possible to combine therapy and medication ineffective treatment of depression cases (Cox et al, 2014). Moreover, it is essential to note that antidepressant addiction is not a matter of concern as it rarely happens, and more so, at the right doses, the medication won't change a child's experience, drugged feeling, or changes in their personality. Furthermore, during withdrawal, the symptoms associated will not be an issue if taken under the supervision of a doctor. Research shows that the use of antidepressants in combination with CBT produced better results for children between ages 7 to 17 than the use of either treatment method separately.

A proper address of severe depression cases through therapy alone can be challenging. Also, the fact that Hannah was experiencing mixed reactions as to the whole situation of her parent's separation and change of environment, it is vital to include medication into the treatment of her depression. Dr. Emmanuelle says that clinicians offer exceptional pieces of advice to parents as to the way they could enhance positive interactions with their children by advising the parents to a significant role as parents get relief to some point, and the child's recovery is a relief to the parents. The expected result from this type of depression treatment took much longer for the overall treatment process to be effective, although the progress was consistent.

Conclusion

In modern times, more efforts have been directed to research in the area associated with depression in both children and teenagers. The main target of the study was to provide the best and most effective way of treatment to children affected by depression issues rather than concentrating on finding out the nature of depression. It is quite difficult to imagine children would become depressed by a specific situation that may affect their emotions; thereby, they develop certain emotional, learning, family, and relationship difficulties that need to be addressed collectively despite depression still being the primary concern.

References

Brown, H. E., Pearson, N., Braithwaite, R. E., Brown, W. J., & Biddle, S. J. (2013). Physical activity interventions and depression in children and adolescents. Sports medicine, 43(3), 195-206.

Cox, G. R., Callahan, P., Churchill, R., Hunot, V., Merry, S. N., Parker, A. G., & Hetrick, S. E. (2014). Psychological therapies versus antidepressant medication, alone and in combination for depression in children and adolescents. Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (11).

Chrissie Verduyn,(2011). CBT for Depression in Children and Adolescents

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