Diagnosing Depression
and Other Mood Disorders
When diagnosing depression and similar mood disorders, doctors and mental health
professionals use different categories. They all have depressed mood as a main symptom,
but they develop in different ways. For example:
- Major depression is an intense episode of depression
that has developed recently and
has lasted for at least 2 weeks.
- Chronic depression (also called dysthymia) is a milder depression
that has developed more gradually, and has lasted for 2 years or longer.
- Adjustment disorder with depressed
mood is depression
that has developed after an upsetting event — anything from a natural disaster
to a death in the family.
- Seasonal affective disorder is a kind of depression that is related to light exposure.
It develops when hours of daylight are shorter; for example, during winter months.
- Bipolar disorder (also called manic depression or bipolar depression) is a condition
that includes episodes of major depression and, at other times, episodes of mania
(emotional highs).
- Disruptive mood dysregulation
disorder is a pattern of
intense, frequent temper tantrums; outbursts of aggression and anger; and a usual
mood of irritability that has lasted for at least a year in a child older than 6.
Getting Help
Depression and other mood disorders
can get better with the right attention and care. But problems also can continue or
get worse if they're not treated.
If you think your child might
be depressed or has a problem with moods:
Talk with your child about depression and moods. Kids might ignore, hide, or deny how they feel. Or they
might not realize that they're depressed. Older kids and teens might act like they
don't want help, but talk with them anyway. Listen, offer your support, and show love.
Schedule a visit to your child's pediatrician. The doctor will
probably do a complete physical exam. A full exam lets the doctor check your child
for other health conditions that could cause depression-like symptoms. If the doctor
thinks your child has depression, or a similar mood disorder, he or she may refer
you to a specialist
for evaluation and treatment.
Contact a mental health specialist. Depression can get better. But without help, it can last
or get worse. A child or adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist can evaluate your
child and recommend treatment.
Therapists treat depression and
other mood disorders with talk therapy, sometimes medicine, or both. Parent counseling
is often part of the treatment, too. It focuses on ways parents can best support and
respond to a kid or teen going through depression.
More Ways to Help
Treatment with a therapist is
important. But you play an important role, too. At home, these simple but powerful
things can help your
child deal with depression.
Be sure your child eats nutritious foods, gets enough sleep, and gets daily
physical activity. These have positive effects on mood.
Enjoy time together. Spend time with your child doing things you
both can enjoy. Go for a walk, play a game, cook, make a craft, watch a funny movie.
Gently encouraging positive emotions and moods (such as enjoyment, relaxation, amusement,
and pleasure) can slowly help to overcome the depressed moods that are part of depression.
Be patient and kind. When depression causes kids and teens to
act grumpy and irritable, it's easy for parents to become frustrated or angry. Remind
yourself that these moods are part of depression, not intentional disrespect. Avoid
arguing back or using harsh words. Try to stay patient and understanding. A positive
relationship with a parent helps strengthen a child's resilience against depression.
Date reviewed: August 2016