Depression in children and adolescents.
Childhood depression accounts for a substantial proportion of cases in child psychiatric clinics. Depression is more common in boys than girls in school age children and it becomes reverse during adolescents. The childhood depression can be wholly chemical, wholly due to psychological factors of a combination of both. The causes of depression can be discussed under three headings--genetic factors, biological factors and social factors. Some children display the classical symptoms of sadness, anxiety, restlessness, eating and sleeping problems while others present with physical problems like aches and pains which do not respond to treatment. Diagnosis depends on interview or questionnaire instruments to screen populations and some biological procedures to determine neuro-endocrine and other physical dysfunctions. Treatment consists of pharmacological treatment and psychological treatment. Tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors and electroconvulsive therapy constitute pharmacological part of the treatment, whereas supportive, insight oriented, play, behaviour, family therapies and cognitive psychotherapy constitute psychological part.
Dhavale
H S
HS
Department of Psychiatry, BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai.
D000293:Adolescent; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003906:Developing Countries; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy
D000928:Antidepressive Agents