ADHD Can Lead to Childhood Depression – But Is a Different Medical Condition

Chronic depression not only steals joy from the lives of adults, but in addition affects children as young as 8 or 9. Regrettably, childhood depressive disorders is oftentimes misdiagnosed as Adhd and other common disorders associated with childhood. Treating clinical depression as ADHD is harmful to the well being of a child and is more than just helping them through a tough time – it is about choosing the best depression treatment plan that can manage a chemical imbalance in the brain while working together with the youngster to overcome behavioral and emotional hardship.

Unfortunately, ADHD and childhood depression are both somewhat widespread in kids these days. A child with hyperactive disorder symptoms might be particularly full of energy sometimes, impulsive, distracted, and have problems sitting still, tuning in, or giving attention to a specific activity. A depressed child to the contrary will typically display a noteworthy lack of joy and energy. He or she will show reduced interest in former pastimes and activities, a diminished ability to concentrate, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, and the affliction may be accompanied by weight fluxuation and sleep problems.

Common signs and symptoms between the two syndromes, such as the inability to focus, outbursts and a sense of restlessness, sometimes result in misdiagnosis of one for the other. Occasionally a youngster with ADHD will also develop psychological problems such as clinical depression, due to the impacts of ADHD on his social and family life. Nonetheless ADHD treatment and depression treatment are quite different, so proper diagnosis is critical.

There are many components to an tested ADHD treatment, and each child needs to be assessed by a mental medical expert. However, the most suitable treatment normally entails a multi-disciplinary approach that includes parent and child education and learning about the condition, thorough behavior treatments such as establishing healthy and balanced policies and routines, relaxation training, psychotherapy, and medication.

Depression treatment is based on psychiatric therapy or “talk therapy”, in addition to medication to deal with the serotonin and dopamine imbalances that are associated with the affliction. Both ADHD and persistent clinical depression are related to specific chemical imbalances in the brain. However, medication can have side effects, and should be taken under the close guidance of a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. If a child’s psychological symptoms include things like extreme mood swing, feeling “out of control”, or thoughts of suicide, is time to seek advice from a mental health professional as soon as possible.

Childhood depression is the third highest cause of death in children as a result of suicide. It is important for parents to know that a child might present symptoms as young as six months old, including a unhappy or expressionless face, outbursts, and lack of interest in parents or peer activity. The good news is, there are established treatments for this condition. If your child is struggling, it may be time to talk to a childhood mental health professional. With the right treatment, your child might be smiling again.

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If you or someone you know is looking for depression treatment in NYC, internet marketing specialist Stephen Daniels suggests experienced psychiatrist Vatsal Thakkar, M.D., of Solstice Psychiatric Consulting. His expertise includes both clinical depression and ADHD, as well as other mood and anxiety issues.

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