Depression across the Lifespan

Depression is the most common mental disorder, not only for adults, but for children and teenagers as well. The DSM-IV classifies depression as a mood disorder. It states that an individual has suffered a “major depressive episode” if certain symptoms persist for at least two weeks, including a loss of enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities, a sad or irritable mood, a significant change in weight or appetite, problems sleeping or concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness. These symptoms of depression fall into four categories: mood, cognitive, behavioral, and physical. Depression affects how individuals feel, think, behave, and how their bodies work. People with depression may experience symptoms in any or all of the categories, depending on personal characteristics and the severity of the depression. Although depression is usually first noticed during the teen or early adult years, a person can have an episode of depression at any age. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is estimated to be 2% in children and 6% in adolescents and up to 25% of adults age >60 experience MDD, dysthymic disorder, or “minor” depression. Although diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder is similar among all patients, its symptoms and course may be atypical in children, adolescents, and older adults. Awareness of these varying clinical manifestations can facilitate early recognition and treatment. Although diagnosis and treatment of depression is similar regardless of a patient’s age, younger and older patients may not exhibit typical depressive symptoms. Children usually display anxiety, irritability, temper tantrums, and somatic complaints before verbally expressing depressive feelings. Children and adolescents may be more likely to have symptoms like unexplained aches and pains and social withdrawal. Depression in children may co-occur with anxiety, disruptive behavior disorders or attention deficit disorder. Psychotic depression in children manifests more

References: American Psychiatric Association. (2000). . Revised 4 edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. Depression across the life span. (2012). Retrieved September 20, 2012 from http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_depression_lifespan Feldman, R. (2011). Development Across the Life Span. 6th edition. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall. Meyer, S. E., Chrousos, G. P., Gold, P. W. (2001). Major depression and the stress system: A life span perspective. Development and Psychopathology, 13, 565-580. Retrieved September 15, 2012 from [->0] 13840FDFC0CB41AD91/5?accountid=35997 [->0] - http://search.proquest.com.ezp00rrx.lirn.net/docview/213825958/