Recognizing and Treating Depression in Children and Adolescents

Julie Dopheide's, "Recognizing and treating depression in children and adolescents" is a strong source in regards to depression. The information supports the use of medication in treating moderate to severe depression amongst adolescents and young children. Dopheide's rhetorical devices in supporting her claim include; future dangers and consequences by avoiding treatment with medication, low risk factors and side-effects for prescription antidepressants, and prevention of suicide or self-injury methods. Dopheide provides a hidden person opinion by stating, "Antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy are the most effective treatments for adolescents with depression." My position remains the same as previously stated. I agree with Dopheide entirely and firmly believe antidepressants are beneficial in treating adolescent depression.

a.) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises health professionals, patients, and families the dangers and side-effects of treating adolescent depression with medication. "In March 2004, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory cautioning physicians, their patients, and their patients' families to closely monitor both adults and children with depression for the emergence of suicidal behavior after beginning antidepressant therapy." (Dopheide, p. 233).
b.) Dopheide states, "Antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy are the most effective treatments for adolescents with depression." (Dopheide, p.233).
c.) Adolescents suffering with moderate to severe depression may be at risk for functionally impairing psychological disorders. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar Disorder are examples of possible functionally impairing disorders. "Functionally impairing depression occurs in 2-10% of children and adolescents." (Dopheide, p. 233).
d.) An adolescent suffering with depression may have experienced a major trauma, abuse, physical ailments, stress, or sudden change in environment. These factors play a major role in the cause of depression.

Dopheide's main rhetorical factors play a major role in my position regarding treating adolescent depression with medication. Dopheide offers her personal findings in research with antidepressants, but she continues to remain objective. However, I do feel the need to ask specific questions in order to further the support of her claim. I feel it's important to ask, "How do the children being treated with medication feel about it?" One important detail I have realized not included throughout most articles was the view of the children suffering with depression. What do they think is best? It's fair to say adolescents may not be able to make the appropriate decision in regards for their well-being, but I feel it's important to hear their thoughts. Some kids may be able to communicate what is bothering them and possible ways of resolving their problems.

What can you do to prevent teen suicide?
Kathryn Murphy's article, "What can you do to prevent teen suicide?" is a fundamental tool for both parents and health professionals. Murphy reviews the risk factors of not recognizing and treating adolescent depression. Teenage suicide rates are far too high and continue to increase in today's society. It's important to identify the early signs of depression in adolescents and attain treatment. Murphy does not obviously state her personal opinion regarding treatment options. She simply gives the facts clearly and remains completely objective. I agree with Murphy when she explains there are methods of determining whether or not a child has depression. I also agree that there are ways to prevent functionally impairing depression.

a.) Depressed children tend to feel helpless, worthless, or perhaps very angry. The child may blame themselves for feeling this way and decide to avoid expressing their emotions to others. An adolescent may even begin to think of suicide or perform self-injury methods.
b.) The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's study states suicide as being the third highest killer to adolescents ages 15 to 24. These numbers may be higher due to reckless behavior in adolescents. The child may not care enough to protect themselves while driving, taking over-the-counter medication, or operating machinery.
c.) Preventing severe depression and suicide in adolescents is possible. The actions may be therapy, medication, or change in lifestyle. "Don't hesitate to speak up and take action if you see warning signs of suicide in a young patient..." (p.45).

Murphy's article is based on preventing suicide. She also explains the symptoms and actions a child may express that is a sign of clinical depression. She explores the connections between severe depression and suicidal tendencies. However, she does not explain post-treatment for clinically depressed patients. Do the patient's suicidal tendencies decrease? I feel it's important to investigate post-treatment of adolescents suffering with depression. Do they have a better sense of well being? Another question I feel to be important is, "How many of these children that attempted suicide will relapse?"

References
Dopheide, Julie A. (February, 2006). Recognizing and treating depression in children and adolescents. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. (Vol. 63, p233-244).
Murphy, Kathryn. (December, 2005). What can you do to prevent teen suicide? Nursing. (Vol. 35, p43-45).