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Teacher Backgrounder - Depression (December 19, 2003, Two)

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Program Summary

Experts estimate that as many as 18.8 million Americans (adults and children) suffer from some form of depression in any one-year period. New studies into the causes of depression are examining a possible genetic link and a theory that depression may be brought on or exacerbated by cell damage in a specific part of the brain. Hopes for a cure are high if these ideas should prove to be correct.

A major issue is the diagnosis and treatment of depression in children. Ira’s guests feel that many cases of childhood or teenage depression are dismissed as shyness or “rebellious teenage behavior.” They also feel that depression is often misdiagnosed; that the problem is actually attention deficit disorder, which is treated very differently from depression. As a result of these misunderstandings, millions of children may be receiving incorrect treatment or no treatment at all.

The points below are based on information from the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Mental Health Association. This segment is not intended for correlation with classroom curriculum, but rather for staff development.

Facts About Depression in Children

• Depression affects approximately one in 33 children and almost one in eight teenagers.
• There are different types of depression—moderate, major, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Depression can be brought on by a significant life event, such as the death of a loved one, illness, divorce, moving, or a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend. It can also be caused by stress, hormonal changes, or a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Depression can run in families.
• Depression is treated with therapy and/or medication.
• Attention deficit disorder is often misdiagnosed as depression.

Symptoms of Depression in Children and Teenagers

• persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• a lack of energy, feeling unable to do the simplest task
• an inability to enjoy the things that used to bring pleasure
• a lack of desire to be with friends or family members
• feelings of irritability, anger, or anxiety
• inability to concentrate
• changes in eating habits—loss of appetiteor weight loss, increase in appetite or weight gain
• change in sleep patterns—sleeping too much or too little
• feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• aches and pains even though nothing is physically wrong
• a lack of caring about what happens in the future
• frequent thoughts about death or suicide

Guests

Paul Raeburn, former science editor for “BusinessWeek” and the Associated Press, author of “Acquainted With the Night: A Memoir” in New York

Dr. George Zubenko, professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh

Dr. Brian Doyle, psychiatrist in private practice and clinical professor of psychiatry and family medicine at Georgetown Medical School in Washington, DC

Dr. David Brent, academic chief of child and adolescent psychiatry; professor of psychiatry, pediatrics, and epidemiology; endowed chair in suicide studies at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine in Pittsburgh

Related Links and Resources

MEDLINEplus: Depression
Journal of the American Medical Association Medical Library: Patient Page: Depression

Links for Students
Depression at Kidshealth
Experience Journal:Depression
Kids-in-Crisis Resources Page:Depression
PBS Kids’ It’s My Life: Depression: The Big Questions

For Discussion:

Activities

Use the search box below to perform a Google search within any of the specifc sites or general domains mentioned in this Activities section.

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