Jeffrey Bernstein, Ph.D.
Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein’s
Counseling Update
Depression affects how the child thinks, feels, looks, and behaves. That's what "whole-body" means. Facial expression can be glum, ormask-like, or sullen and provocative.
At no time-either childhood or teen years-are moodiness, poor self-esteem and school failure to be considered "normal." Be attentive and notice changes such as these, and dare to seek treatment.
According to Ingersoll and Goldstein, "during a year's time, 8-9% of children between the ages of 10 and 13 suffer from an episode of depression. As startling as these figures are, it is likely that they reflect only the tip of the iceberg, since the incidence of depression in young people appears to be on the rise in our society."
According to studies, the authors say, people under 40 are three times more likely to suffer from a depressive illness than those over 40. Within the under 40 group, the lower the age, the higher the risk of a depressive illness.
Keep in mind, as you read these statistics, that it is therefore also not "normal" for a senior to be depressed. When you suspect depression-in yourself or in a loved one-seek diagnosis.
THREE TOP TOXIC THOUGHTS THAT DESTROY MARRIAGES
#1 The All or Nothing Trap : You see your partner as either negatively always or never doing things.
#2 Catastrophic Conclusions : One partner exaggerates negative actions and events concerning the other partner.
#3 The “Should” Bomb: One partner assumes the other will meet one or more of his or her needs—just because he or she should know that need.
Source: Bernstein and Magee (2004) Why Can’t You Read My Mind? Overcoming the nine toxic thought patterns that get in the way of a loving relationship. Marlowe & Company
Dr. Jeff recently appeared on the TODAY SHOW where he discussed toxic relationships. Any interested readers who missed the live segment can view the clip by going to:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7115340/
To contact Dr. Bernstein for counseling, speaking engagements, or to be added to his mailing list:
JEFFREY BERNSTEIN, PH.D.
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
430 Exton Commons
Exton , PA 19341
(610) 280 - 7282
www.DrJeffonline.com
Email: Drjeff4help@aol.com
ODD usually begins by age 8, and not later than adolescence. Often, it is the child with the difficult-child temperament who goes on to become oppositionally defiant. Boys manifest the disorder more often before puberty, but after puberty the ratio evens out. The children display a low self-esteem, mood changes, low frustration tolerance, and temper outbursts. ADHD may also be present. Children with oppositional defiant disorder may continue on to manifest conduct disorder.
When the parents are overly restrictive, the child fights back more, resulting in a power struggle. Individual therapies and family therapies can be successful but therapists should have solid experience with ODD children.
DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN IS RISING
The statistics on childhood depression are alarming. According to psychologists Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., and Barbara Ingersoll, Ph.D., in their 2004 article, "Lonely, Sad and Angry: How to Know if Your Child is Depressed and What to Do," typical symptoms in depressed children include sadness or irritability, low self-esteem, and loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities."
They describe depression as a "whole-body illness." i.e., it doesn't just involve changes in mood, but affects sleep, appetite, general health and performance. One sign may be complaining of vague physical symptoms like a stomachache, that's hard to pin down, or not having their usual energy (enthusiasm).
Depression also affects children's ability to think and concentrate (just as in adults), so school performance often decreases, grades go down, and irritability can cause behavior problems. Or they become withdrawn and start dropping friendships and the isolation makes the depression worse.
Another clue you'll have is that the child becomes difficult to be around, affecting family life. They may cry a lot, or whine, or be argumentative and irritable, whereas formerly they were easy-going and pleasant.
TALK THERAPY WORKS AS WELL AS ANTIDEPRESSANTS
New research confirms that talk therapy is just as effective as drug therapy for severely depressed people and should be used as a first line of defense, according to a study published in Archives of General Psychiatry.
The study of 240 patients found that cognitive therapy, which teaches patients to think more realistically, worked as well as a Paxil, a popular antidepressant. The patients had moderate to severe depression, and those who had four months of cognitive therapy had about the same relapse rate a year later as people who took Paxil the whole time. If people quit taking Paxil after four months, their relapse rate was twice that of therapy patients', showing that cognitive
therapy is cheaper than antidepressants in the long
run. Source: Archives of General Psychiatry.
WHAT REALLY IS OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a disorder in which children:
— Ignore or defy adults' requests and rules.
— May be passive, finding ways to annoy others, or active, verbally saying "No".
— Blame others for their mistakes and difficulties.
— They are different from children with conduct disorders in that they do not violate the rights of others. These behaviors are present at home, but not necessarily in other situations, such as school, or with other adults.