Increasing Numbers of Children And Adolescents Suffer From Clinical Depression
Author: Stephen Daniels | Category: ChildrenWhile it has only been taken seriously for the past few decades, clinical depression rates among teens and children alike have been increasing for some time. Everyone experiences sad days or mood swings from time to time, but up to five percent of the population of youths may now be suffering from depression. Increasing awareness in parents as well as improving ability to diagnose this illness have resulted in more and more children and adolescents receiving the treatment they need for depression.
As it has been found that depression tends to more frequently occur in certain families, it is likely that genetic factors contribute to the biochemical causes of this illness. However, no single cause has been found. When a child or teen with a predisposition for depression is exposed to certain environmental and social factors, they may exhibit symptoms of this illness early on.
Modern culture features a greater number of psychosocial influences than in preceding eras. While some will argue that there are no more negative influences in the present than have been in evidence in the past, that does not change the fact that today\’s youth are subject to an endless barrage of information through the Internet and other media. This certainly has a bewildering effect on many. Most experts agree that low self-esteem is a large part of the problem, occurring regularly within the symptoms of childhood depression. If a child or teen views himself or herself negatively, this imparts a pessimistic worldview enhanced by negativity in reporting of current events in the media.
Today\’s economic climate and unemployment rates are also making an impression on children and teens, especially in households that are affected. When a parent who was formerly working is now unemployed, this places stress on the child. It can serve to lower self-esteem and increase pessimism. A lack of discretionary income affects children as well. They will be less able to take part in activities with their peers, and this can create social problems as well. If the family should actually lose their home, the children\’s view of themselves and their place in the world will suffer. This feeling of displacement and uncertainty may bring about symptoms of depression, particularly if a child has a genetic predisposition for the illness.
Growing up can be a challenge, even in the best of situations. Peer pressures and expectations of parents can combine to create a great deal of stress on children and teenagers, affecting their sense of self. Adding economic and social issues on top of these relatively normal problems can increase the likelihood of mental health issues, which means it is likely that rates of these illnesses will continue to rise. Thankfully, as awareness increases, early diagnosis has become more common, and treatment of mental health problems in childhood as well as support for families of affected kids has expanded. These improvements will help kids and teens overcome the symptoms of childhood depression, and assist them in gaining the opportunity to succeed in their academic and social lives, as well as their future lives as adults.
In Las Vegas, if you believe that your child or adolescent may be suffering from depression, contact Dr. Ron Zedek, a nationally recognized psychiatrist with more than 12 years of experience in effectively and gently treating children and adolescents with depression, bipolar disease, anxiety and many other mental health issues. This article powered by SEO 2.0 Services