When to be Concerned about Your Child's or Teen's Mood

Children and teenagers are often moody or irritable, but how do parents know when these behaviors occur more often than average.  Reports indicate that 9% of adolescents ages 12 to 17 experience a major depressive episode with girls more likely to be affected than boys. 

 

Early identification and treatment are important so the following are a list of signs that may indicate your child needs help from a mental health care provider.

 

·         Shows less interest in school than usual

·         Getting poorer grades than usual

·         Making self-critical statements

·         Receiving poor grades despite working hard

·         Becomes less expressive about his/her emotions

·         Has difficulty with keeping current friends or making new friends

·         Constantly worrying or anxious

·         Frequently occurring stomach aches, headaches, or other physical pain.

·         Refusing to go to school

·         Hyperactivity

·         Difficulty with focus and concentration

·         Sleep less than or more than usual

·         Aggression or acting out when angry

·         Persistent sadness

·         Being irritable

·         Having less energy than usual

·         Does not seem to enjoy activities, especially not enjoying activities that he/she previously did

·         Loss of interest in things

·         Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, etc.)

If you child presents with one or more of these symptoms that persist for several weeks, you have reason to be concerned.  Concern is warranted especially if these symptoms are interfering with your child’s ability to participate successfully in normal activities. 

Parents should talk to their child to find out what they are feeling or what might be happening in their life that has caused this change.  Parents should also contact a health care professional such as a psychologist.  A psychologist will conduct a diagnostic interview, meeting with you and your child to determine if there is a diagnosis. 

If your child receives a mental health diagnosis (anxiety, depression, etc.) parents should examine various treatment options.  Medication and/or psychotherapy may be an options that will be helpful to you or your child.  The psychologist can help guide you on treatment options.  Once treatment has started it is important to carefully monitor your child to make sure symptoms do not become worse.