Mood Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Table of Contents

Mood Disorders In Children and Adolescents

Mood disorders are chronic, often debilitating illnesses that affect people of all ages.

Mental health problems ranging from depression to bipolar disorder are known as mood disorders, or affective disorders. In any of these disorders, a serious change in mood shapes the child’s emotional state. Unlike a normal bad mood a child feels occasionally, a mood disorder involves thoughts and feelings that are intense, difficult to manage, and persistent. A mood disorder is a real medical condition, not something a child will likely just “get over” on his own.

Today, clinicians and researchers believe that mood disorders in children remain one of the most under diagnosed health problems. Mood disorders that go undiagnosed can put children at risk for other conditions, like disruptive behavior and substance use disorders, that remain after the mood disorder is treated. Children and teens with a mood disorder don’t always show the same symptoms as adults. So it can be difficult for parents to recognize a problem in their child, especially since he or she may not easily express his or her thoughts or feelings.

The most common mood disorders in children and adolescents include:

Major depression. A depressed or irritable mood, lasting at least two weeks.
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). A chronic, low-grade, depressed or irritable mood for at least 1 year.
Bipolar disorder. Periods of persistently elevated mood followed by periods of depressed or flat emotional response.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. A persistent irritability and extreme inability to control behavior.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This includes depressive symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation.
Mood disorder due to a general medical condition. Many medical illnesses, including cancer, injuries, and chronic medical illnesses, can trigger symptoms of depression.
Substance-induced mood disorder. Symptoms of depression due to drug use, the effects of a medication, or exposure to toxins.

Girls are at least twice as likely as boys to develop depression. Boys and girls are equally likely to develop bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Causes

The causes of mood disorders are not well understood. however the following can be attributed to;

Imbalances in brain chemicals.
Environmental factors, such as unexpected life events and/or chronic stress, can also contribute to a mood disorder.
Mood disorders often run in families, so there is a genetic component, too. Children who have relatives with depression are at increased risk for depression. In addition, a family history of bipolar disorder may predispose a child to have bipolar disorder or other mood disorder.
Sometimes, extreme stress or a life event can “turn on” a gene, causing the disorder to develop. This can happen especially with depression.

Signs and Symptoms

Children show symptoms differently, according to their age and biological makeup. Symptoms also vary according to the type of mood disorder. Overall signs of a mood disorder may include:

Sad, depressed, irritable, angry, or elevated mood that appears more intense than the child usually feels, lasts for a longer period of time, or occurs more frequently
Trouble with family, including difficult behavior
Lack of motivation or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
Changes in sleep or eating patterns or weight
Frequent physical complaints, such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue
Loss of energy or fatigue
Difficulty achieving in school
Worthlessness, guilt, or low self-esteem
Severe recurrent temper outbursts
Increased energy or bursts of energy with racing thoughts or fast speech
Rebellious or high risk behavior
Running away or threats of running away from home
Difficulty with friends and peers
Expressions of suicidal thoughts, which should be evaluated immediately

Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis of the mood disorder, as well as any other conditions, is a crucial first step in managing the disorder effectively. At the Hospital, a specialist performs a comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation may assess:

child’s overall health and medical history
child’s symptoms
child’s behavior at home, at school, and with peers
Environmental factors that might be stressors in your child’s life
Input from teachers or guidance counselor about issues at school
child’s past experiences with specific medications or therapies
opinion or preference for treatment options

Treatment

Mood disorders can be treated with evidence-based treatments, especially with early recognition of the problem. Treatment can help manage the episode, reduce the severity of symptoms, and help to prevent future episodes. It can also enhance the child’s normal growth and development and improve his or her quality of life and relationships.

Individual therapy

identify key problems in the child’s life and help the child learn how to manage these stressors.
Also use a variety of techniques to help the child manage the symptoms of the mood disorder, including
- Cognitive-behavior. This approach involves changing problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that your child may be experiencing.
- Interpersonal therapy. This technique focuses on building social skills and helping children with difficult relationships in their lives.
Family therapy

Families play a vital supportive role in any mood disorder. Families, including parents or guardians, can learn methods to help their child manage mood and behavior problems. The specialist may also explore potential stressors in a child’s life and patterns of interaction within the family. A consultation with the child’s teachers or guidance counselor may also be advised.

Medications

A variety of medications are very effective in treating mood disorders by altering the brain chemicals involved. Depending on the mood disorder and the child’s symptoms, medications may reduce the severity or frequency of symptoms, decrease problematic behaviors, improve functioning, and prevent future episodes.

Outlook

Many children who receive early and adequate treatment for their mood disorder may improve significantly and keep their condition managed with ongoing intervention or support . If the episodes recur, they can usually be managed with therapeutic support, including medications, therapy, and additional resources.

Follow-up Care

Depending on the child’s personalized treatment plan, the child and family may continue to meet with the specialist for a number of weeks or months. The focus of individual and family therapy may change over time, depending on the child’s age, progress, and needs. Medication needs may also change over time depending on a number of factors.

SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT OF MOOD DISORDERS.

Assessment 🕵️‍♀️
- Conduct thorough assessments to understand the child’s mood disorder, including emotional triggers and symptoms.
Supportive Environment 🌈
- Create a safe and nurturing environment to promote emotional well-being.
Therapeutic Communication 🗣️
- Utilize effective communication techniques to build trust and encourage expression of feelings.
Medication Management 💊
- Administer prescribed medications as directed, and monitor for any side effects or changes in mood.
Psychotherapy 🧘‍♀️
- Encourage participation in individual or group therapy sessions to address underlying issues.
Education 📚
- Provide education to both the child and their family about the mood disorder, coping strategies, and treatment options.
Behavioral Interventions 🧩
- Implement behavior modification techniques to manage disruptive behaviors and promote positive coping mechanisms.
Emotion Regulation 🧘‍♂️
- Teach the child emotional regulation skills, such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
Family Involvement 👪
- Engage the family in therapy and support, as their understanding and involvement are crucial.
Safety Monitoring 🚸
- Continuously monitor the child’s safety to prevent self-harm or harm to others, especially in severe cases.