Major Depression and Dysthymia in Children and Teens |
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Dysthymia usually starts in childhood, teens, or early adulthood. The sooner it is diagnosed and treated, the better. Depending on the age of the child, treatment may differ greatly from that for adults. One of the most troubling aspects of dysthymia is that a child can grow up thinking that he or she is experiencing the world as it really is. The child doesn't realize that her perceptions are colored by the dysthymic condition. Because she thinks "it's just the way I am," she is less likely to seek help for what is a treatable illness. In short, no one has to feel this way -- not even children or teens. Childhood
Teenage YearsThe teenage years can be especially difficult for anyone. It's a time when the body is changing, social skills are put to the test, many teens are expected to or want to get part-time jobs, schoolwork is more demanding, and a strong emphasis is placed on what to do for the rest of your life. All of that is enough to make anyone a bit anxious. The transition from childhood to adulthood is difficult; it's work. Most people are up for the challenge to some degree. Some have difficulty in one area or another. Some simply can't cope with all the changes. It's not a measure of character or an issue of strength versus weakness. Some of us have had events or circumstances in childhood that prevented us from being fully prepared to take on the challenges of teen-hood. Absent parents or poor parenting can leave a teenager ill equipped to deal with the changes inherent in growing into an adult. Abuse -- physical or psychological -- can create problems even after it has stopped. Neglect -- physical or emotional -- can also leave a teen without the necessary coping skills. Drug and alcohol use can make adjustment difficulties even worse. Of course, in some cases, there is simply a chemical imbalance that occurs without a causative event or circumstance. Antidepressants in Children and TeensIt is a matter of much debate lately: Are antidepressants safe for children and teens? In the UK, the use of several antidepressants in children and teens has been banned. The use of antidepressants in children and teens is now under review here in the United States. It's a tricky issue: do the medications increase suicidal thoughts or are the suicidal thoughts part of the illness? Do the benefits of antidepressant therapy outweigh the risks? For now, these are questions that need to be answered on a case-by-case basis. In other words, talk with your doctor about what's best for you. Other Treatment for DepressionFortunately, there are other ways to treat depression and dysthymia besides medication. Talk therapy has been shown to be effective in treating depression and dysthymia in study after study. I was 15 when I finally got help for my depression. The treatment was free association (basically, you just talk about what's on your mind). I went twice a week, and it helped immensely. When I stopped therapy, I was still struggling with some issues, but the brunt of the depression was over. I was sleeping through the night again. I was feeling better about myself. Talk therapy does work. But it is work. If you really want to feel better, you have to be honest with your therapist and you have to pull together the courage to talk about how you're feeling. It isn't easy, but it is very much worth it.
More to come |
Children take their cues from adults; if you do not talk to your children about how they are feeling, they will not necessarily talk about it with you. If you notice a change in your child or teen's behavior, school performance, friendships, etc., talk to him or her about it.
The key to
dealing with
childhood and
teen
depression and
dysthymia is
to address the
matter as soon
as you notice
the signs and
symptoms.
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