Mood disorder part #2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Mood disorder part #2 - Essay Example An abused child may alternate between periods of irritability and periods of worthlessness and helplessness. What is interesting is that during these phases emotional upheaval those who come in contact with her may be unaware of her dilemma and accuse her of unsociability, violence and as having total disrespect for members of her society. Fundamental signals of depression in children may be a sudden change in academic performance as well as an apparent change in personality. A specific illustration of such a change would be that an energetic and intelligent child may suddenly become lethargic and appear to be disinterested in school work and other activities that formerly brought pleasure. Such a child may in fact begin to disrespect teachers and other classmates but this child would never dare to disrespect the abuser. Foul language, inappropriate behavior such as promiscuity, fighting and stealing may be the order of the day for such a child. It is usually at this juncture that a teacher may become concerned and request the assistance of guidance officers and social workers. Not only are emotional and behavioral signs present in the depressed child but also a mounting number of physical complaints. The child may begin to complain of headaches and stomachaches. This child may even experience difficulty in sleeping patterns. Further, there may be an abrupt increase or a decrease in appetite. Eventually one major incident between an authority figure and the child may lead to the child having and voicing desires of committing suicide. This desire to commit suicide may be expressed quietly to a trusted authority figure or shouted loudly as a threat to another individual in authority. On the other extreme this child may also voice the desire to fatally harm another individual. Clearly, the depressed child would manifest differently to adults who may still have the ability to hide their true feelings at times. The child suffering from depression due