Depression in Children, Teens, and the Elderly
The symptoms of depression in children, teens, and the elderly are often similar. Younger children may show signs of sadness, irritability, and neediness. Older children may have feelings of hopelessness or worry. A health care provider can assess depression with the PHQ-9. These questions can help determine the severity of depression and guide treatment. There are several causes of depression, including underlying medical disorders. A health care provider can help you understand the signs and symptoms of depression and determine the best course of action.
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness for two weeks or more. Symptoms of depression include irritability, a desire to withdraw from usual activities, excessive weight gain or loss, restlessness, and inappropriate guilt. Thoughts of suicide may be a symptom of depression. Thoughts about suicide may also be indicators of depression, especially if it’s the first time the person has experienced this. If a loved one has committed suicide, thoughts of self-harm may be a common cause.
Other risk factors for heart disease are not directly related to depression. In general, however, untreated stress may result in higher blood pressure, reduced physical activity, irregular heart rhythms, and a weakened immune system. The severity of depression can alter the perception of chest pain, increasing the risk of a cardiac intervention. In addition, living with a depressed person is stressful for everyone involved. Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options for treating depression in children and adults.
If you are feeling blue, you should seek medical treatment for depression. Your doctor may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will ask you several questions and will determine whether you’re taking antidepressant medications or not. In some cases, you might also need to try a combination of psychotherapy and medications. In addition, a socially isolated person can benefit from psychiatric counseling. There are a variety of other treatments available, including acupuncture, electroconvulsive therapy, and various forms of psychotherapy.
If you suspect that you or someone you love is suffering from depression, seek medical attention. A qualified mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment. Support groups and organizations are a great place to start. Depression has many different causes, including biological, psychological, and interpersonal. Once diagnosed, you should follow a treatment plan and learn some coping techniques. If you have a family member who suffers from depression, a support group can be an excellent resource.
While there’s no single cause of depression, many people suffer from the symptoms of depression for long periods of time. Some of these factors are genetics and stressful life events. Physical illnesses like thyroid problems and HIV can also cause depression. If you suffer from depression, seeking medical attention is essential to a healthy life. And if left untreated, it can lead to suicidal thoughts. Currently, it affects 5% of the adult population in the world. Those who are over the age of 65 are especially susceptible to the disease.
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