Depression like Birth Defects Can Affect the Child’s Development

Depression in children is a serious condition that should be given attention. Most mental illnesses are difficult to diagnose in children and that includes depression. Depression even in children, is primarily managed with antidepressants. According to research, children could need antidepressants if mothers smoked while pregnant. Information dissemination on childhood depression would be very beneficial as this is not as discussed as depression in adults.

How Will You Know if a Child has Depression?

A specialist is required to diagnose depression in a child but it would be helpful if you would know the signs so you can take the appropriate steps. Some of these signs may not happen to your child but most of the mentioned below are present in children with depression.

•             Emotional Changes

The main symptom of depression is sadness however, not all sadness would immediately mean depression. There is what they call “masked depression” where feelings of depression are manifested as anger or acting out. Almost always, emotional signs would include feelings of sadness, mood swings, feeling of being rejected, being guilty, anger and etc. 

•             Mental Changes

The child may also have changes in thoughts and thinking such as ideas indicating low self-esteem or dislike towards the self. Negative thoughts may also be on the child’s mind frequently. These thoughts may also be suicidal in nature. Suicide is the worst point that a child or anyone with depression, would commit. Be wary of suicidal ideations and always be on the lookout for suicide attempts.

•             Physical changes

Depressed children may also show physical symptoms. Usually, the child feels tired and fatigued to participate in activities. Loss of appetite or sleeping problems can also be seen in children suffering from depression.

·         Behavioral Changes

Changes in behavior can be observed when a child has depression. They withdraw from social interaction and the child easily gets upset over something rather simple. Interests over previous likes or hobbies may be gone. Others may throw temper tantrums over the most simple incidents.

The mentioned signs are the most common that are observed in children with depression. When you noticed that these are happening to your child, you are highly advised to check with your doctor. Your family doctor may do as he/she can refer to you to the appropriate specialist. Depression can affect the child’s development just like Zoloft birth defects so it would be ideal to manage the condition once diagnosed.

References:

•           zoloftsertralinebirthdefects.com/updates/children-could-need-antidepressants-if-mothers-smoked-while-pregnant/

•               webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-children

•               medicinenet.com/depression_in_children/article.htm

•               cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-86-87-90

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Birth Defects May Be Associated With Antidepressants Taken By Depressed Women

According to statistics, females are twice as much to suffer from depression as men. This is not the only disadvantage that women have to go through because they are also at risk for more side effects when receiving treatments for depression. The antidepressant Zoloft for example, has been linked with birth defects especially when taken at the third trimester of pregnancy. Zoloft is manufactured by Pfizer, the makers of newly-approved lung cancer drug, Xalkori.

Why Do Women Suffer from Depression?

A number of factors can be enumerated why women suffer from depression but most often than not, it has something to do with hormones. Below are some of the most common causes of depression in women.

•             Premenstrual Problems

Fluctuations in hormone can lead to a variety of symptoms that can also be associated with Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) such as irritability, being emotional and the feeling of being bloated. Usually, most women experience mild symptoms of PMS but for some, the symptoms are so severe that it disrupts their normal functions.

•             Pregnancy

Pregnancy is known to be a condition in a woman’s life where hormones can be at a disadvantage. Changes in hormonal levels may contribute to depression especially to women who are at risk even before getting pregnant.

•             Postpartum Depression

Postpartum changes may be very significant in women and this may lead for them to suffer from depression. Usually, most women experience postpartum blues which is deemed normal but some progress to a severe state which is postpartum depression. Postpartum is believed to be caused by the sudden drop of hormones after giving birth.

Managing Depression in Women

The management of depression in women are similar to those of men. However, one must consider their biological differences. In medications, women should start taking antidepressants in lower doses than men to avoid the serious side effects. Pregnant women are also given special considerations because antidepressants can be harmful to the fetus. For instance, birth defects caused by Zoloft have been raised especially when taken during the third trimester.

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