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The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice. (Peggy O'Mara)

Many clinicians find it easier to tell parents their child has a brain-based disorder than suggest parenting changes. Jennifer Harris (psychiatrist)

Criticism is not a motivator.

Setting limits teaches your children valuable skills they will use the rest of their lives. One day, they will report to a job where their ability to follow rules will dictate their success.

Removing a child from a traumatic environment does not remove the trauma from the child's memory.

Adolescence can be the cruelest place on earth. It can really be heartless.  ( Tori Amos)

Hurt people hurt people.

The teenage years require a delicate balance between the young person's need to gain independence, and the parent's need to retain authority.

The best inheritance  parents can give their children is a few minutes of their time each day.

"To be a man, a boy must see a man."  (J.R. Moehringer)

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Types of Depression

TYPES OF DEPRESSION
DIAGNOSED IN YOUNG PEOPLE
(the Oxford Psychiatric Dictionary lists 25 different types of depression)
 
a) MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)
                  – serious depression lasts an average of 7-9  months
                  – similar to adult depression in some ways
                                                                        – sadness
                                                                        – pessimism
                                                                        – sleep & appetite disturbance
                                                                        – decrease in concentration
                  – dissimilar in some ways
                                                                        – anxiety
                                                                        – irritability
                                                                        – overly sensitive
                                                                        – eating & sleeping too much
 
b) DYSTHYMIC DISORDER
                                    – milder but more chronic
                                    – low level depression
                                    – usually able to carry out daily routines but requires major effort
                                    – continues for years
                                    – often progresses into major depression
 
 
c) DOUBLE DEPRESSION
                                    – combination of above
                                    – serious and chronic
 
 
d) BIPOLAR  (manic depressive)
                  – unusual & extreme swings in mood and energy
                  – may cycle each day or several times per year
                  – frequently begins with depressive episode in youth
                  – runs in families
                  – research suggests 20-40% of adolescents with MDD develop bipolar within 5 years
                  – usually starts in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life
                  – equal male & female
 
 
e) REACTIVE DEPRESSION
                  – most common form of mood problem
                  – brought on by disturbing experience
                  – lasts anywhere from a few hours and a few weeks
                  – least serious
                  – not considered a  mental disorder
 

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