Depression
Sadness is a normal part of life. A child or adolescent can be happy one moment and sad the next. Sometimes periods of sadness last a long time or become severe, suggesting a more serious condition called depression. Depression is characterized by periods of extreme sadness or irritability. It may be precipitated by the death of a friend, move to a new city or divorce of parents. Sometimes a person becomes depressed for no apparent reason. As a parent, it is important for you to know the signs of depression so you can determine if professional help is warranted, such as a psychological evaluation or psychotherapy. Here are some of the signs associated with depression:
- Sad or irritable mood most days
- Changes in patterns of eating or sleeping (too much or too little)
- Loss of interest in activities
- Reduced energy level or restlessness
- Feelings of illness, such as headaches or stomachaches
- Inattention and trouble making decisions
- Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
Depression affects the way a child thinks, acts and feels. When depressed, the child may lose perspective on events and feel that problems are unsolvable. He or she may consider options for escape, such as running away, drugs or alcohol, or even suicide. Often there are no external signs that someone is considering suicide; however, the following are concerning signs:
- Preoccupation with death and suicide
- Feeling others would be better off without them
- Giving away valued possessions
- Recent major loss or break-up
- Severe academic difficulty
- Severe family conflicts
- Sudden improvement in mood
- Use of drugs or alcohol
- Tendency to act impulsively
Many children and adolescents need a psychological evaluation to clarify their emotional needs and determine if they are depressed, and they may need psychotherapy to address these issues. We view psychotherapy as a collaborative effort between the child or adolescent, parents and a licensed psychotherapist. We use psychotherapy techniques that help families to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. Depending on the age and needs of the child, we may use play therapy, individual talk therapy or family therapy. Your privacy is important to us, and there are strict laws that protect this privacy. With your permission, however, we can coordinate treatment with your child's school, pediatrician and psychiatrist.
If you have any questions about depression and psychological evaluations, pease e-mail us at info@prattcenter.com.