Help for Parents of Children With Anxiety & Depression

Childhood depression and anxiety are serious disorders that affect children's moods, thinking and behavior. According to the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, anxiety disorders (the most common psychiatric disorder for children and adolescents) has a prevalence rate of 8 to 10 percent. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that depression afflicts between 3 to 5 percent of adolescents and 2 percent of pre-teen children. Anxiety and depression sabotage children's school, home, and social life. Left untreated these illnesses can lead to low self esteem, drug use, behavior problems, isolation and emotional dysfunction.

Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

• A depressed child will have a persistent depressed or irritable mood, or may have an inability to enjoy normal activities. Other symptoms can include hopelessness, persistent boredom, social withdrawal, low self esteem, extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, apathy, a change in eating or sleeping patterns, and thoughts about death or suicide.

  According to Healthyplace.com, as many as two thirds of children with depression also have an anxiety disorder. There are different types of anxiety disorders, but in general, anxious children have extreme, unrealistic worry, tension or fear about everyday life situations and activities. They may complain about physical symptoms of anxiety, such as stomachaches, headaches, dizziness, or nausea. Often, they will restrict activities in order to avoid situations that trigger fear and anxiety.

Professional Evaluation

• If your child shows even a few of these symptoms, it is important to have a qualified physician, psychologist or psychiatrist do a careful evaluation. The evaluation should start with a physical evaluation to rule out possible contributing illnesses including thyroid disorders, adrenal disorders, diabetes, respiratory insufficiency, nutritional deficiencies, or celiac disease. Food allergies, environmental allergies, and hypoglycemia can also contribute to depression and anxiety symptoms.

  Talk with your child about the issues you want to discuss with the doctor. Help the child to view the process of seeking medical and professional help as normal and healthy.

Treatment Options

• Treatment can begin at home even before you see the doctor. Talk openly with your child about his or her feelings and behavior. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings, worries and concerns. Help them to explore the causes of their sadness, fear and anxiety, and work together to formulate action plans. Do not allow your child to retreat, isolate and hide. Encourage your child to participate in structured social activities. Interact repeatedly throughout the day, discussing school, friends, family, chores, books, desires, plans, and so forth. Guide them to engage in satisfying hobbies and activities.

  If depression and anxiety symptoms persist more than a few weeks, and the evaluation by your family doctor indicates anxiety or depression, seek professional help and support. Speak with your doctor and trusted family members or friends about therapists they recommend. Call your insurance company to get the names and phone numbers of child and family therapists that the insurance will cover.

  Have your child see a therapist or counselor who is trained and experienced in treating children. Family therapy can be a powerful and cost-effective approach because parents become involved in implementing therapeutic interventions on a daily basis.

  If the child does not respond to home interventions and professional therapy, then discuss medication options with your family doctor. She may refer you to a psychiatrist. A variety of medications have been approved by the FDA, and evaluated by the National Institute of Mental Health as helpful and effective in the treatment of childhood anxiety and depression. Do research online to learn more about medications so you ask your provider informed questions when you discuss medication options for your child.