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CHRISTIAN
SINGLES
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CHRISTIAN
DATING ADVICE
CHRISTIAN SINGLES : GUIDE TO
ENDING LONELINESS AND DEPRESSION Cont.
Depression in Children
Only in the past two decades has
depression in children been taken very seriously. The depressed child
may pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or
worry that the parent may die. Older children may sulk, get into trouble
at school, be negative, grouchy, and feel misunderstood. Because normal
behaviors vary from one childhood stage to another, it can be difficult
to tell whether a child is just going through a temporary
"phase" or is suffering from depression. Sometimes the parents
become worried about how the child's behavior has changed, or a teacher
mentions that "your child doesn't seem to be himself." In such
a case, if a visit to the child's pediatrician rules out physical
symptoms, the doctor will probably suggest that the child be evaluated,
preferably by a psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of
children. If treatment is needed, the doctor may suggest that another
therapist, usually a social worker or a psychologist, provide therapy
while the psychiatrist will oversee medication if it is needed. Parents
should not be afraid to ask questions: What are the therapist's
qualifications? What kind of therapy will the child have? Will the
family as a whole participate in therapy? Will my child's therapy
include an antidepressant? If so, what might the side effects be?
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
has identified the use of medications for depression in children as an
important area for research. The NIMH-supported Research Units on
Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPPs) form a network of seven research
sites where clinical studies on the effects of medications for mental
disorders can be conducted in children and adolescents. Among the
medications being studied are antidepressants, some of which have been
found to be effective in treating children with depression, if properly
monitored by the child's physician.8
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