Prevalence and Correlates of Major Depressive Disorder Discussion

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mental disorder characterized by a persistent and pervasive low mood that interferes with an individual’s ability to function in daily life. The symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder can vary in severity, but typically involve a persistent feeling of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, fatigue or decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or weight, sleep changes, and thoughts of death or suicide. Zuckerman et al. (2018) have mentioned that MDD is a serious condition that can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life. If a child is experiencing the signs and symptoms of MDD, it is important to seek professional help for them. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many people with the disorder are able to manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives. Children with Major Depressive Disorder may exhibit physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and unexplained aches and pains. They may become withdrawn and isolate themselves from friends and family. What’s more, these children may have difficulty concentrating in school and their grades may suffer. A social trait that is closely linked with MDD according to Mullen (2018) is disruptive or aggressive behavior. Prevalence and Correlates of Major Depressive Disorder Discussion

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Pharmacological Treatments for MDD in Children and Adolescents

1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant for children and adolescents. They work by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, in the brain. SSRIs are generally considered to be safer and have fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants.

2. Atypical antipsychotics

Atypical antipsychotics are a newer type of medication that are sometimes used to treat depression in children and adolescents. They work by blocking the action of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood. Atypical antipsychotics are generally considered to be safe and effective, but they can cause some side effects, such as weight gain and drowsiness.

3. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a type of antidepressant that is less commonly prescribed for children and adolescents due to the risk of side effects. The TCAs increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels, two neurotransmitters that are tasked with mood regulation in the brain. TCAs can cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.

4. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a type of antidepressant that are less commonly prescribed for children and adolescents due to the risk of side effects. They work by inhibiting the action of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs can cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Prevalence and Correlates of Major Depressive Disorder Discussion

5. Lithium

Lithium is a type of medication that is sometimes used to treat depression in children and adolescents. It works by stabilizing mood and preventing manic episodes. Lithium can cause side effects such as weight gain, tremors, and gastrointestinal distress.

6. Psychostimulants

Psychostimulants are a type of medication that is sometimes used to treat depression in children and adolescents. They work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Psychostimulants can cause side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, and irritability.

Nonpharmacological Treatments for MDD in Children and Adolescents

Discussing the available treatments for MDD in children, Gutiérrez-Rojas et al. (2020) have mentioned a number of nonpharmacological options including cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and family-based therapy. Each of these treatments has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder in children and adolescents. According to Zuckerman et al. (2018), cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that helps individuals learn how to identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors. In addition to this, cognitive-behavioral has been shown to be effective in treating MDD in children and adolescents. Mullen (2018) has stated that interpersonal therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals improve their relationships with others. This type of therapy has been shown to be effective in treating Major Depressive Disorder in children and adolescents. The third treatment option is family-based therapy. This is a type of therapy that focuses on helping families improve communication and problem-solving skills.

The appropriate community resources for treating and managing MDD in children would include mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. In addition, support groups for children with MDD and their families can be helpful. These resources can provide support, guidance, and treatment for children with MDD and help them manage their symptoms. Prevalence and Correlates of Major Depressive Disorder Discussion

References

Gutiérrez-Rojas, L., Porras-Segovia, A., Dunne, H., Andrade-González, N., & Cervilla, J. A. (2020). Prevalence and correlates of major depressive disorder: a systematic review. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 42, 657-672. https://doi.org/10.1590/1516-4446-2020-0650

Mullen, S. (2018). Major depressive disorder in children and adolescents. Mental Health Clinician, 8(6), 275-283. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2018.11.275

Zuckerman, H., Pan, Z., Park, C., Brietzke, E., Musial, N., Shariq, A. S., … & McIntyre, R. S. (2018). Recognition and treatment of cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder. Frontiers in psychiatry, 9, 655. 

week 5 assign
For your assignment this week, you are to discuss one of those disorders below. Keep in mind that you should specifically research treatments for children/adolescents with these disorders. Also, remember to carefully read the instructions for the assignment and check the rubric before submitting so that you maximize your points.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Prevalence and Correlates of Major Depressive Disorder Discussion