Week 4 - Mood Disorders (Children) Flashcards
Define mood disorder:
- Commonality?
In the simplest terms, poor regulation of mood and affect that is inconsistent with the environment
- These disorders are the second most common mental disorder
- Often have an onset of symptoms in childhood or early adolescence.
What categories of mood disorders are there?
1) Depressive disorders (major depressive disorder, dysthymia, disruptive mood regulation disorder)
2) Bipolar disorders (bipolar I & II disorders, cyclothymic disorder)
3) Substance-induced mood disorder
4) Mood disorder caused by general medical condition
What is true about mood disorders in children?
- Why is it important?
These disorders can present differently in children which is important to achieving an accurate diagnosis and treatment
How does depression in children differ in children?
Depressive disorders typically present with symptoms of sadness, low self-esteem, fatigue, and changes in appetite and sleep habits
- Children with major depressive disorder often present with more irritability and somatic complaints
- In disruptive mood regulation disorder, children will be chronically irritable, experience somatic symptoms, as well as other overlaps with typical depressive symptoms
What is bipolar disorder characterized by?
Alternating episodes of depression and mania
Define Bipolar I:
Bipolar I is the most intense case with 1+ manic episodes and a major depressive episode
Define Bipolar II:
Bipolar II presents with more mild symptoms with hypomanic episodes (less intense symptoms and shorter duration)
- Most common
What is the mildest form of bipolar?
Cyclothymic disorder would be considered the mildest bipolar disorder
What is important to note with bipolar disorders in children?
It is important to note that in children, bipolar disorders typically present as a rapid-cycling mixed manic state that may be misinterpreted as ADHD or conduct disorders
What is substance-induced mood disorder?
- Symptoms?
Caused by substance use, intoxication, or withdrawal of various substances (alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, etc.)
- Symptoms are directly related to a given substance and are not present beforehand or after cessation
What types of nursing assessments should be used when interviewing children with mood disorders?
A nursing assessment of these disorders should include methods such as interviewing or standardized scales to inquire about symptoms, developmental history, family history, and a current and/or previous level of psychosocial functioning
Why is screening important?
Screening is an extremely important tool for nurses to utilize in children and adolescents who may be experiencing any of the symptoms described above
- Children experiencing these disorders may have up to a 15x higher risk of suicide and a delayed treatment of depressive disorders has been proven to lead to negative life outcomes.
What are nursing interventions for mood disorders?
Treatment for mood disorders usually includes medication (antipsychotics or mood stabilizers) and cognitive behavioural therapy.
- For children with mild symptoms of a mood disorder, it may be helpful enough to educate and help to develop healthy coping mechanisms
List some examples of interventions
1) Consider the already complicated adolescent experience- inquire about social media usage and how it may be impacting the patient
2) Check in with the family and get them involved in the care
- Help redirect parents who blame themselves for the diagnosis to achieve greater understanding through education
- A collaborative approach for the care plan with parents, teachers, and the patient themselves may be interpreted as more useful
3) School presence- a majority of children’s time is spent at school which provides the opportunity for screening and resource distribution
- MDAO Stop the Stigma program, Teen Mental Health website
4) Psychoeducational programs
- Teaching patients and their families healthy coping mechanisms
- Information on normal development
