Like adults, depression is one of the common mental health disorder seen in children especially of school going age although their symptoms may not be same. Depression is defined as an illness when the feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child or adolescent’s ability to function.
Research during the last two and one-half decades has clearly suggested that children and adolescents often display evidence of psychopathology where depression is the most prominent feature. It is now accepted that the depressive features displayed by children/adolescents are often consistent with DSM IV criteria for Major Depressive Disorder. There is good evidence of continuity between adolescent depression and adult depression.
Signs of depression
· Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying.
· Hopelessness.
· Decreased interest in activities; or inability to enjoy previously favourite activities.
· Persistent boredom; low energy.
· Social isolation, poor communication.
· Low self esteem and guilt.
· Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure.
· Increased irritability, anger, or hostility.
· Difficulty with relationships.
· Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomach-aches.
· Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school.
· Poor concentration.
· A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns.
· Talk of or efforts to run away from home.
· Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behaviour.
Risk factors for
depression in children
·
Biologically, depression is associated with a deficient level of
the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain
·
Girls have comparatively more chance to develop depression
·
Genetic back ground of depressive disorder
·
Having a mother of below 18 year old at the time of birth.
Psychological contributions include;
·
Low self esteem
·
Negative Body image
·
Being excessively self critical
·
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
·
Clinical anxiety, or who have cognitive or learning problems,
as well as trouble engaging in social activities also are have more risk of
developing depression.
·
Depression may be a reaction to life stresses, like trauma,
including verbal, physical, or sexual abuse; the death of a loved one.
·
School problems like being bullied; or suffering from peer
pressure.
·
Youth who are struggling to adapt to the United States culture
have found to be at higher risk for developing depression.
·
Research differs as to whether children who
are obese have an increased risk of developing depression.
·
Other contributors to this condition include poverty and financial
difficulties
·
Exposure to violence, social isolation, parental conflict, divorce
Types of depression in children
Children may suffer from the episodes of moderate to severe depression associated with major depressive disorder, or more chronic, mild to moderate low mood of dysthymia. Depression may also be part of other mood disorders like bipolar disorder, as a result of psychosis (for example, having symptoms of delusions or hallucinations), as part of a medical condition like hypothyroidism, or the result of exposure to certain medications such as cold medications or drug abuse, like cocainewithdrawal.
Impacts of Depression in children
· Once a young person has experienced an episode of depression, he or she is at risk for developing another episode of depression within the next 5 years.
· Depression in childhood may predict more severe depressive illness in adulthood.
· Depression in children and adolescents is associated with an increased risk for suicidal behaviours.
· Depression can effect relation ship.
Homoeopathic management
Depression can be a transient response to many situations and stresses. In adolescents, depressed mood is common because of the normal maturation process, the stress associated with it, the influence of sex hormones, and independence conflicts with parents. It may also be a reaction to a disturbing event, such as the death of a friend or relative, problems with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or failure at school.
Homeopathy has one of the best treatments for depression in teenagers. It is a highly evolved system when the treatment is to be based on mind symptoms. It goes far beyond the conventional system, Homeopathic medicines are able to flush out the impressions created in minds by stressful events. It has specific medicines for symptoms of depression arising out of different situations – as varied as the loss of a loved one, indignation, domination by peers, sexual abuse, etc .Homeopathic medicines like natrum mur, staphysgaria, lycopodium, ignatia, Kali Phos, Aurum Met and carcinocin are some of the important ones often used in treating depression.
Psychotherapy and counselling also have a major role to play in the Homeopathic treatment of depression in teenagers.
Ignatia – The best Homeopathic medicine for Treating General Depression In teenagers.
This homeopathic medicine is the leading medicine for treating depression when real cause cannot be elicited and is also widely used as a near specif for treating all forms of depression. This medicine covers nearly all the symptoms of general depression eg withdrawl , sadness , increased irritability etc. I have personally used it in many cases of teenage depression and got great results with it.
Natrum Mur – Homeopathic Remedy for depression in teenager , When Grief is The cause.
Homeopathic Remedy Natrum Mur is well suited for cases of teenage depression when grief is the reason for depression . This grief can result out of various situations eg. loss of loved one , friendship discord , disappointment in love etc.
Kali Phos – Homeopathic Remedy for Depression In teenagers When Stress Overworked mind is the cause.
It is very common to see kids going through depression due to stress excessive study and mental overload on their young minds; Kali phos works very well to treat such forms of depression.
Aurum Met – Homeopathic Medicine for treating depression in teenagers with Suicidal Thoughts
AUTHOR :
Dr HARIGOVIND Op
PART II MD
Organon Of Medicine
Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital
Mangalore
