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| Quick reference medical handouts used
by Pediatric offices |
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Tips for Spotting Adolescent Depression
Seventy percent of adolescents can be effectively treated for depression,
underscoring the importance of spotting depression early before it might
escalate to thoughts of suicide, commented Dr. David Fassler in an article
published in the April issue of Pediatric News .
Four percent of boys and 15 percent of girls between the ages of 13 and
17 years have attempted suicide, according to Dr. Fassler,
a child psychiatrist practicing in Burlington, Vt. There are approximately
5,000 successful suicides of American children and adolescents each year,
How can parents and physicians distinguish between a child's sadness
and major depression? There are four identifying factors
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the intensity of the low mood or behavioral problems;
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the duration of the symptoms;
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the extent of the difference from the person's usual mood;
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how much the mood interferes in the person's life.
Dr. Fassler outlined the following signs of depression in children
and adolescents, which are red flags signaling the need for a comprehensive
clinical evaluation:
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Frequent sadness or crying that won't go away or stop.
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Feeling hopeless or acting withdrawn.
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Changes in behavior and loss of interest in usual activities.
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Changes in sleep, appetite or energy.
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Missed school or poor school performance.
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Frequent physical complaints (stomachache, headache, chest
pain).
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Irritability, fighting and trouble concentrating.
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Thoughts about death, suicide or running away.
The article also listed certain predictors of suicide:
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Lack of future planning.
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Putting affairs in order.
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Making suicidal statements or comments such as, "I won't be a problem
for you much longer" or "You won't have to worry about me."
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Suddenly becoming cheerful after a period of depression.
Finally Dr. Fassler listed six parenting principles that he believes
can prevent depression and ultimately prevent potential suicide attempts.
These six principles are:
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Love and support the "real" child.
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Establish predictability, availability and security.
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Foster open and honest communication.
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Adopt a constructive and balanced approach to discipline.
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Allow children to experience life.
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Enhance self-esteem.
As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as
medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s pediatrician.
Please read our full disclaimer.
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