In the past, people think that only adults suffer from mood disorders. However, recent studies disprove this belief. The most recent study shows that it is not just young people who suffer from depression. According to the research, even toddlers experience depression.
Children are affected by stress, trauma, and adverse events. Psychologists have found out that most of the time, children under the age of 17 years old start experiencing depression as young as 2 or 3 years old. Like adult depression, children can also suddenly stop doing things they used to do or change their behavior. They also tend to feel tired, angry, sad, and unhappy most of the time.
As a parent, you want to know when your children need psychiatric services. With that said, you should study this article.
Depression
When you see changes in your child, you should try to know if they are going through depression. Here are some of the symptoms:
- Change in appetite; depression may lead to eating too much or not eating.
- Change in sleep patterns; children with depression usually have trouble sleeping.
- Chronic fatigue: children with depression are always tired.
- Delayed growth or weight gain.
- Development of physical problems.
- Frequent irritability and moodiness.
- Abnormal crying without reason.
- Trouble concentrating and thinking.
If you have noticed these in your children, it is imperative that your kids need psychiatric services.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is also common in children. When your child suddenly switches from extreme moods and behavior, it indicates that they suffer from this ailment. Â
Mood swings characterize bipolar disorder. Teenagers are suffering from this type of disorder experience extreme highs and lows in mood. Children who suffer from this disorder have extreme mood swings that may change.
Here are the symptoms of bipolar disorder:
- Easily angered.
- Frequent mood swings.
- Excessive sleeping and difficulty in sleeping are two other common symptoms that show the presence of this disorder.
- Excessive energy.
- Feelings of guilt or shame.
- Impulsive behavior.
Bipolar disorder is one of the most common mood disorders that occur in children. If you notice these symptoms in your kids, they need to undergo bipolar disorder treatment.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder is another common type of mood disorder. The disorder usually affects children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old. Children with this disorder are always in the mood swing.
They usually show feelings of tension and hostility. These mood swings may lead to temper tantrums and is a severe disorder. It affects the way a person interacts with other people.
The condition can also affect the normal functioning of the person. The symptoms of this disorder are:
- Irritability
- Low tolerance
- Easily angered
- Easily frustrated
- Temper tantrums
- Impulsive behavior
- Frequent mood swings
- Feelings of sadness or fear without a cause
- Feeling sad without reason
Conclusion
Having depression or bipolar disorder is not a joke. Parents who have noticed these symptoms in their kids should immediately seek the help of a counselor or a psychologist. The disorder can affect the normal functioning of your children. They need psychiatric help to treat their condition.
If your kid exhibits any of these symptoms, you should consult Amodeus Healthcare as soon as you can. We provide psychiatric services for all ages. Give your child a chance at life, so book an appointment now!