Mood disorders are one of the most common psychiatric disorders in adolescence. Stating that 20 percent of societies have experienced a very severe adolescence, Child Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Assist. Assoc. Dr. Neriman Kilit states that restlessness and anger are the most obvious signs of adolescent depression.
Üsküdar University NP Feneryolu Medical Center Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Assist. Assoc. Dr. Neriman Kilit shared important information about mood disorders in children and adolescents.
Identity confusion can develop.
Emphasizing that adolescence is an important period in the mental development process as it is a psychosocial and sexual maturation period caused by physical and emotional processes, Child - Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Assist. Assoc. Dr. Neriman Kilit said, “Adolescents experience difficulties specific to this period due to the acceleration of cognitive development with the identity formation process, increase in impulsive needs and emotional intensity, re-igniting preoedipal and oedipal conflicts, choosing a profession, relationships with the opposite sex, and experiencing the process of separation from their parents-individuation. and they have conflicts. Therefore, it can be difficult to distinguish between normal developmental features and pathological conditions during adolescence. Identity confusion can also develop if the identity crisis, which is a part of normal development, is not properly resolved.” said.
Severe puberty occurs in 20 percent of populations
Stating that 20 percent of societies had a very severe adolescence, Assist. Assoc. Dr. Neriman Kilit said, “In addition, psychiatric disorders that can be seen in this period complicate diagnosis and treatment in terms of both differentiation and coexistence. One of the main psychiatric disorders that can be seen in adolescence is mood disorders. This group includes unipolar (unipolar) and bipolar (bipolar) mood disorders.” used the phrases.
Early diagnosis reduces risky behaviors
Assistant Psychiatrist. Assoc. Dr. Neriman Kilit said that depression disorders (unipolar disorder) are diagnoses with a high familial burden, recurrent, and associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and continued his words as follows:
“The early diagnosis and effective treatment ensures that the child can continue to develop normally, while maintaining psychosocial functionality, and reducing other risky behaviors such as suicide and substance abuse. It is stated that since the mood can be variable in children and adolescents, the diagnosis may be delayed, especially in the group with mild/moderate depression, who can hide their symptoms, and therefore accompanying conditions may come to the fore in the process. In general, early onset is associated with more problem areas in later ages. Some of the mentioned areas are listed as being unmarried, more deterioration in occupational and social areas, lower quality of life, more medical and psychiatric comorbidities, more lifetime depressive episodes, suicide attempts, and more symptom severity.
There is a 2% recurrence risk in the first 40 years.
Asst. Assoc. Dr. Neriman Kilit said, “While the duration of a depressive episode is around 7-9 months in patients who apply to the clinic due to depressive disorder, this period can be shorter in those who do not have a clinical application and spontaneous recovery can be observed. There is a 2 percent risk of recurrence in the first 40 years after recovery, and it is stated in some studies that this rate goes up to 70 percent. In general, the determinants of recurrence risk are; It is defined as low response to treatment, more severe illness, chronic course, presence of previous depressive episodes, co-morbidity, hopelessness, negative thinking style, family problems, low socioeconomic level, intra-familial conflict or presence of abuse. These described situations are also associated with worsening.” said.
They show symptoms similar to adults
Assistant Psychiatrist. Assoc. Dr. Neriman Kilit said that the distinctive feature of adolescence depression is the presence of restlessness and anger, and continued as follows:
“This is the clinical picture that is more common in adolescents. Alcohol and substance use can complicate emotional symptoms. Adolescents can experience sudden changes in their feelings, thoughts and relationships. Depressed adolescents may experience these changes more rapidly, and they may show symptoms of depression in the form of social withdrawal, decrease in interest and activity, deterioration in friend relations, decrease in school success, avoidance of school and home, tendency to use substances and alcohol, and suicidal thoughts and attempts, similar to adults. If not treated, suicide attempts and completed suicides can also be seen in the course of depressive disorders that negatively affect the emotional, cognitive and social skills of children and young people. Conditions that increase the risk of suicidal behavior can be listed as the presence of suicide attempts in the past, comorbid psychiatric disorders (such as disruptive behavior disorders, substance abuse), impulsivity and aggression, access to lethal tools, exposure to negative life events, and family history.
They are at high risk
Pointing out that children and adolescents with depression disorders are also at high risk for nicotine/substance abuse, legal problems, adverse living conditions, physical illnesses, early pregnancy, poor work-school and psychosocial functionality. Assoc. Dr. Neriman Kilit, “Recently, 'Destructive Mood Dysregulation Disorder' has been included in the diagnosis group of mood disorders in child and adolescent psychiatry. This diagnosis group is characterized by severe and recurrent outbursts of anger that are inappropriate in terms of both severity and duration with the current situation. These outbursts of anger must have been seen, on average, 3 or more times a week and for more than 1 year. There are also publications stating that if untreated, the risk of substance abuse, behavior and mood disorders, suicidal thoughts and attempts is increased in this group, and that it progresses with a significant deterioration in general functionality in adulthood.” he said.
Be the first to comment