• Mood disorders in children are fundamentally similar to mood disorders in adults. • Symptoms of depression are increasing dramatically in our elderly population. • The experience of anxiety across cultures varies, and it can be difficult to make comparisons, especially, for example, when we attempt to compare subjective feelings of depression. • Some of the latest theories on the causes of depression are based, in part, on research into the relationship between anxiety and depression. Anxiety almost always precedes depression, and everyone with depression is also anxious. (Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, 2008).
In Children and Adolescents:
Some research has indicated that it is possible for even a 3 month old infant to become depressed at such a young age. Young children can express their depressive moods by facial expressions and how they interact with adults and other children. The following chart will give examples of symptoms that may be felt by each individual age starting from 0 months up to 18 years.
Adult Symptoms
0-36 months
3-5 years
6-8 years
9-12 years
13-18 years
Dysphoric Mood
sad, expressionless face, gaze aversion, staring, irritability
sad expresion, labile mood, irritability
prolonged unhappiness, irritability
sad expression, apathy, irritability
sad expression, apathy, irritability, complaints about depression
Loss of Interest
no social play
decreased socialization
decreased socialization
adult presentation
adult presentation
Appetite/Weight Change
feeding issues
feeding issues
adult presentation
adult presentation
adult presentation
Insomnia/Hypersomnia
sleep issues
sleep issues
sleep issues
adult presentation
adult presentation
Psychomotor Agitation
tantrums, irritabiity
tantrums, irritability
tantrums, irritability
aggressive behaviour
aggressive behaviour
Psychomotor Retardation
lethargy
lethargy
lethargy
lethargy
adult presentation
Loss of Energy
lethargy
lethargy
lethargy
lethargy
adult presentation
Feelings of Worthlessness
low self-esteem
low self-esteem
low self-esteem, guilt
guilt
Dimished Concentration
poor school performance
poor school performance
poor school performance
Recurrent thoughts of Death/Suicide
accident prone
accident prone, morbid outlook
adult presentation
adult presentation
Anxiety
separation/attachment issues
school phobia
phobia, separation anxiety
phobia, separation anxiety
adult presentation
Somatic Complaints
present
present
present
present
(Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, 2008)
In the Elderly:
"Depression among the elderly is a serious problem that can be difficult to dianose because the symptoms are often similar to those of physical ilness or dementia " (Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, 2008).
Across Cultures:
We noted the strong tendency of anxiety to take physical or somatic forms in some cultures; instead of talking about fear, panic, or general anxiety, many people describe stomachaches, chest pains or heart distress, and headaches. Much the same tendency exists across cultures for mood disorders, which is not surprising given the close relationship of anxiety and depression."(Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, 2008).
Among the Creative:"Many artists and writers, whether suspected of mood disorders or not, speak of periods of inspiration when thought processes quicken, moods lift, and new associations are generated... the genetic patterns associated with bipolar disorder may also carry the spark of creativity" (Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, 2008).
Prevalence of Mood Disorders
• Mood disorders in children are fundamentally similar to mood disorders in adults.
• Symptoms of depression are increasing dramatically in our elderly population.
• The experience of anxiety across cultures varies, and it can be difficult to make comparisons, especially, for example, when we attempt to compare subjective feelings of depression.
• Some of the latest theories on the causes of depression are based, in part, on research into the relationship between anxiety and depression. Anxiety almost always precedes depression, and everyone with depression is also anxious.
(Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, 2008).
In Children and Adolescents:
Some research has indicated that it is possible for even a 3 month old infant to become depressed at such a young age. Young children can express their depressive moods by facial expressions and how they interact with adults and other children. The following chart will give examples of symptoms that may be felt by each individual age starting from 0 months up to 18 years.
In the Elderly:
"Depression among the elderly is a serious problem that can be difficult to dianose because the symptoms are often similar to those of physical ilness or dementia " (Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, 2008).
Across Cultures:
We noted the strong tendency of anxiety to take physical or somatic forms in some cultures; instead of talking about fear, panic, or general anxiety, many people describe stomachaches, chest pains or heart distress, and headaches. Much the same tendency exists across cultures for mood disorders, which is not surprising given the close relationship of anxiety and depression."(Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, 2008).
Among the Creative:"Many artists and writers, whether suspected of mood disorders or not, speak of periods of inspiration when thought processes quicken, moods lift, and new associations are generated... the genetic patterns associated with bipolar disorder may also carry the spark of creativity" (Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, 2008).