Mental health articles

Screening tests for children with major depression disorder There is no test that is used to diagnose a child with major depression disorder. Screening tests are used to assess a child for signs of depression. If the screening test is positive, then a further assessment is performed. Screening tests include:
• Beck Depression Inventory (adolescents)
• Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) (ages 7-17)
• Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (adolescents)
If a screening test is positive, then physiologic and developmental disorders are ruled out. Rule out bereavement. The following conditions can mimic symptoms of major depression disorder:
• Endocrine disorders
• AIDS
• Nutritional imbalance
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Cardiovascular disorders

Five of the following criteria must be present during the same 2 weeks for a
child to be diagnosed with major depression disorder. The symptoms must change from the child’s previous behavior and affect the child’s ability to function normally. One symptom must be loss of interest in a joyful activity or a depressed mood. Symptoms
are reported by the child or others.
• Agitation
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained weight gain
• Irritable
• Decreased interest in activities
• Unexplained decrease in appetite
• Unexplained increase in appetite
• Decreased sleep
• Increased sleep
• Guilt
• Suicidal ideation
• Unable to concentrate
• Feeling worthless

Tags: major depression disorder