Parents’ guide to social services and special needs in Northeast Ohio 2011 ADVERTISING


Depression and the Elementary-Aged Child


by Nora McNamara, M.D. Discovery and Wellness Center for Children


University Hospitals Case Medical Center


ents due to their concerns about her temper out- bursts over the past semester. Maya has been having increasingly frequent


M


and intense aggressive attacks directed toward her older and younger brothers and has been very difficult at home as far as completing her chores, engaging in dinner conversations and interacting with her parents and siblings. Maya’s parents are concerned about this dis-


tinct change in their formerly quiet, sensitive and helpful little girl. Tey cannot identify any recent changes or stresses that could be affecting her, with the exception of Maya’s transition to in- termediate school at the beginning of this school year. Initially, she had seemed irritated by the two hours of homework assigned, but quickly seemed to catch on to the routine and completes her homework independently. During her interview, Maya initially is quite


angry about needing to be evaluated and is re- luctant to tell the doctor much of anything. With


aya is a 9-year-old little girl who is brought for a child and adolescent psychiatric evaluation by her par-


time, encouragement and empathy, the doctor is able to help Maya feel comfortable enough to tell more. Maya describes feeling “kind of cranky most of the time and bored all of the time and sometimes sad, too” almost every day, almost all day long “since at least winter break.” Although Maya works hard not to show these


feelings at school, she also has not been able to have very much fun at school and has started wandering the playground at recess rather than participate in jump rope or other fun games her friends are playing. At home, her parents report that she has turned into a couch potato, shunning her usual outside activities. Tey also have noticed her becoming extremely picky at mealtimes, and it also takes her a long time to fall asleep. Maya is diagnosed with major depressive dis-


order, single episode. Like 5 percent of children and adolescents, she gradually has experienced a worsening of the psychological, as well as the physical, symptoms of this illness. Unlike most children with this disorder, Maya


is one of the lucky ones. Only a small percent- age of children with depression are ever seen by a mental health professional. Maya is referred to work with a cognitive behavioral therapist, and close to 65 percent of


depressed children will respond fully to therapy alone. If she doesn’t fully respond to talk therapy, her psychiatrist can prescribe an antidepressant medication to help, in addition to her talk thera- pist. Most children who receive dual treatment (talk therapy and medication) will make a full recovery. At the Discovery and Wellness Center for


Children, we are privileged to be able to work with Maya and all of the other children referred to us for depression and other mood disorders, as they help us find out new ways to help all chil- dren feel and function at their best. If you have concerns about your child’s mood,


talk with your primary care physician, who can help you determine the next steps to take. Early identification and treatment are essential to en- suring that each child has the optimal chance for recovery. Te American Academy of Child and Adoles-


cent Psychiatry has provided a fact sheet about childhood depression at aacap.org/page.ww?na me=Te+Depressed+Child&section=Facts+for +Families.


To learn more about the Discovery and Wellness Center for Children, contact Becky Weintraub at 216-844-3922.


Childhood Depression Clinical Trial Now Enrolling at University Hospitals!


If your child is between the ages of 7-11 and displaying symptoms of depression such as irritability, feelings of worthlessness and/or


change in appetite or sleep patterns, he/she may be eligible to participate in a research study.


Your child could receive a study related clinical evaluation, medical tests and investigational


medication at no cost from a doctor who specializes in pediatric mental illness.


Please contact:


University Hospitals Case Medical Center Discovery and Wellness Center for Children 216.844.3922


10524 Euclid Avenue Suite 1155A n Cleveland, Ohio 44106


IRB NUMBER: 10-10-19 IRB APPROVAL DATE 03/19/2011


www.NEOhioFamily.com / July 2011 23


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