Mood Disorders in Children

Most first time parents probably wonder what typical or normal behavior is for their child. And since typical and normal has such a wide range of expression, that answer is hard to come by no matter how many books you read or how many professionals you consult. It is difficult for a book or professional to pinpoint the difference between energetic or hyperactive; sensitive or distressed; quiet and unassuming or depressed.

Many times, it isn't until a child is in preschool or kindergarten that a question about a disorder gets raised. After all, especially when the child is your first one, distinguishing between normal behavior or not can be tough. And so often, when you hear the dreaded words "We need to discuss your child" it can be in the form of behavior problems.

Mood disorders are generally accepted to be depression or bipolar disorder and these are still considered to be adult illnesses. Some researchers believe that childhood mood disorders are one of the most underdiagnosed group of psychiatric illnesses. And yet it is important to accurately diagnose these illnesses because about 2000 teenagers commit suicide per year in the United States alone.

One reason that mood disorders in childhood go undiagnosed is because these disorders look different in children than they do in adults. Another reason is that children are not always able to articulate how they feel, especially when a mood disorder is in the way.

Mood disorders may also mimic or overlap with other issues more commonly associated with children such as ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; conduct disorder which usually includes violent behavior; or even schizophrenia in adolescents. In fact, mood disorders in children were not even included in diagnosed psychiatric illnesses until the 1980's.

However, there is emerging evidence that major depression can develop in children. Children of depressed parents experience onset of major depression rather earlier than children of non-depressed parents, with the average age being 12 versus 16 years of age.