Doctors: Talk To Experienced Experts Who Specialize In Adolescent Psychology
When should a parent worry that adolescent angst or childhood sadness is actually something to see a doctor about?
Sadness or irritability and losing interest in normal activities are some warning signs. Other signs that may occur, include loss of self-esteem, feeling hopeless, sleep problems (too much or too little), a decline in schoolwork and, possibly, suicidal thoughts.
Last year was difficult for Andrew Fischer, 15, when his mother, Susan Burdette, noticed behavioral changes.
"It started last year when it got really bad for me. My grades really dropped to the point it was significant," Andrew explained.
"After awhile, [I noticed] a couple of months with no improvement -- sleeping a lot, no interest in school, very hopeless about it, saying things like, 'it'll never get better, it doesn't matter,' " Burdette said.
When Andrew was evaluated, doctors diagnosed him with mild depression.
"When you're talking about depression, it's different from feeling sadness. There are a number of signs that must be occurring at the same time," Dr. Bruno Anthony said.
As a result, Andrew and his family have been in counseling -- and things have improved.
"For now, we have seen an enormous improvement, just coming here and going through the process. He knows how important he is to us," Burdette said.
It's important to have your child evaluated by someone experienced in adolescent psychology. Depression is the one behavioral and emotional problem that can end in death -- so see someone who really understands the problem.
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