Mood Disorders

Problems related to identifying and assessing depression in adolescents, taking into account gender and contexual factors…

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CONTENTS

1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..3

2. Definitions…………………………………………………………………………………………..3

3. History…………………………………………………………………………………………………4

4. DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for Mood Disorders……………………………….4

5. Depression in children and adolescents……………………………………………….6

6. Problems related to classifying/diagnosing Mood Disorders………………..6

7. Gender factors related to depression in adolescents…………………………….7

8. Contextual factors related to depression in adolescents………………………..8

9. Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………………..9

10. References………………………………………………………………………………………….11

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Introduction

Although clinicians and parents have always recognised that children and adolescents may experience transient sadness and despair, it has become clear that persistent disorders of mood occur in children of all ages and under many different circumstances. Estimates on the prevalence of mood disorders in children and adolescents vary widely, although more sophisticated studies are begginig to appear(Barlow & Durand, 2009). It appears that the incidence of depression is higher among women than men. Children with mood disorders suffer from extreme, persistent, or poorly regulated emotional states, such as excessive unhappiness or swings in mood from deep sadness to high elation (Mash & Wolfe, 2010). Suicide, as a result of depression, is an urgent cause to detect, diagnose and treat these symptoms as early as possible. However, there are some problems associated with identifying and assessing depression in adolescents.

Definitions

A mood disorder is a disorder in which the subject suffers extreme, persistent or poorly regulated...