Depression in Children questions with verified solutions 2023

Depression in ChildrenDepression in Children - what does it look like? - correct answer Depressed mood - many children may not be able to communicate this, so it is manifested as irritability and restlessness. Changes in appetite Changes in sleep patterns Unexplained sadness or crying Feelings of guilt or worthlessness Loss of interest in pleasurable activities Psychomotor agitation or retardation Suicidal ideation How do you know if a child is actively suicidal? What do you do? - correct answer Get as much information from the child as you can! How long have they been feeling like this? What are their specific thoughts (not wanting to be here anymore, wanting to die, believe that suicide is the only way out). Do they have a plan? Do they have the means and opportunity to carry out that plan? Any thoughts, even if passive, should be reported to the parent. If thoughts are active, you should tell the parent and tell them to go to the nearest emergency room to keep their child safe and get the help they need. How do you diagnose depression in a child? - correct answer Assessments can be extremely helpful: Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) - parent report, can indicate depressed mood. Child Depression Inventory (CDI) - child report, quick depression screener, children can complete themselves or be read questions and respond. Clinical interview with the parent, child, teacher, and any other significant individuals in the child's life. Depression and Comorbidities - correct answer Depression in children is very commonly related to external circumstances (e.g., trauma, divorce, bullying, etc.) Depression should only be diagnosed if the reaction to the stressor is above and beyond what is appropriate in the situation. If they have experienced a trauma, depression should only be diagnosed if it is above and beyond what is included in a PTSD diagnosis and warrants separate clinical attention. Child and Adolescent Depression in the Family - correct answer Child Factors Genetic Predisposition Child temperament (mismatch with parents, negative temperament) Negative cognition style (negative interpretations, interactions -- depression) Parent Factors Depressive symptoms are bidirectional. Depressed parents may not form strong attachments with their children, and may be perceived as rejecting, overcontrolling, and withdrawn. Withdrawing will reinforce child's feelings of worthlessness, exacerbating depression Parents may model inappropriate or negative coping styles Weak attachment -- increased suicide risk in children Family disruption (abuse, incarceration, deployment) may influence a child's depression. Cognitive-Interpersonal Pathway to the Development of Depressive Disorders - correct answer Going back to theories of development: the information processing theory suggests children input information from their environment and develop their thoughts and actions based on those experiences. If family messages are continuously negative, belittling, etc., the child will begin to internalize these beliefs as reality (I am unlovable, I am worthless, I am a failure) Treatments for Depression - correct answer Medication: not a go-to choice for children. While they may be helpful, risk for suicide far outweighs benefits of medication. Individual or group therapy involving the child Individual or group therapy involving the parent and child. Individual or group therapy primarily involving just parents. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) - correct answer Includes elements of psychoeducation, coping skills, exposure, and behavioral activation.