Snapshot of Teenaged Mood Disorders

Finally - the summary I promised (been busy)

It's something that MUST pop up at your school, seeing that depression in teens

(often preceded by Anxiety in primary school) has such a high Aussie prevalence:

 

Clinical Depression (i.e. >2 weeks of continuous depressed mood + symptoms)

occurs in our kids at the RATE of:    1 in 4 girls     and       1 in 6 boys.

 

Depression/Anxiety Roots:

Psych. literature says contributions toward a student becoming clinically depressed come from any/all of:

. Brain neurotransmitter and  Genetic deficits (comings et al, 1996.)
. Results from an experience of trauma or loss (Taber & McCormick, 1987.)
. Can be Reactive to a current stressor.

Psychotherapeutic Helps Commonly used: (by referral to a Psychiatrist or Psychologist)
. Strategies designed to enhance Coping Skills,
. to deal with stress-related issues
. Provision of non-judgmental support

ALSO: they MAY require medication to balance their neurochemistry, while recovering.

This is usually a join call by their Psychologist and G.P. (A Psychiatrist can prescribe anti-depressants

directly, as he/she is a medical practitioner already.)

 

A psychologist near your school?

Yes there is - your own school's Counsellor is a registered Psychologist,

and qualified to treat students for a mood disorder. Discretion is needed though - as to how healthy

a relationship a student has with the School Counsellor.

 

Referring a student OUTSIDE your School - commonly done. Options:

* Your local area's Health Department Community Centre  (look under "Adolescent Mental Health")

* A reliable local Private Practice - ask for recommendations from people in the know

* Use the Australian Psychological Society's (APS) ONLINE SEARCH TOOL - to find any registered

  Psychologist by AREA.   

[There is a web link to this service on the front page of my blog: http://chaplainchaps.blogspot.com]

 

 

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