Could Your Child Have Summer Depression?
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Updated June 08, 2015.
Most of us have heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which causes negative mood changes because of wintertime and lower levels of sunlight. However, SAD also can occur in the summertime, though this is far more rare. Both adults and kids can be affected by it.
Summer depression is more than just being bored in the summer. SAD is often part of a larger mood disorder, like major depression or bipolar disorder.
Symptoms typically begin in the spring or early summer -- when daylight increases and the days become longer. No one knows for sure, but researchers theorize that natural light negatively affects some children's brain chemistry, leading to depression symptoms.
Symptoms of summer depression are generally vegetative and mirror symptoms of non-seasonal major depressive disorder, which are:
Summer depression is a rare occurrence, especially in children. About 1.7 to 5.5% of children and adolescents may experience it. Females experience it more often than males. And, it is thought that SAD is more common in Northern areas where changes in weather and natural light are most extreme from season to season.
Symptoms of depression should never be ignored. If your child has any symptoms of depression lasting for more than two weeks, talk to her pediatrician or other mental health provider. If your child has a history or SAD or other mood disorder talk to her provider at the first sign of symptoms. If your child has any suicidal thoughts or behaviors, seek emergency medical help.
Summer depression is a treatable condition. Research shows that forms of psychotherapy, known as interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, are effective for mild cases of SAD, while medication may be required for more serious cases. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used very rarely.
Sources:
American Psychological Association. Bright Lights, Big Relief: Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder. Accessed: July 13, 2011. http://www.apa.org/research/action/light.aspx
Boris Birmaher, MD, David Brent, MD, et al.Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Depressive Disorders. The Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 46(11). November 2007. 1503-1526.
S Atezaz Saeed, M.D., Timothy J Bruce, PhD.Seasonal Affective Disorders. American Family Physician. March 15, 1998.
What Are the Different Forms of Depression? National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed: July 11, 2011. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/what-are-the-different-forms-of-depression.shtml
Updated June 08, 2015.
Most of us have heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which causes negative mood changes because of wintertime and lower levels of sunlight. However, SAD also can occur in the summertime, though this is far more rare. Both adults and kids can be affected by it.
What Is Summer Depression?
Summer depression is more than just being bored in the summer. SAD is often part of a larger mood disorder, like major depression or bipolar disorder.
Symptoms typically begin in the spring or early summer -- when daylight increases and the days become longer. No one knows for sure, but researchers theorize that natural light negatively affects some children's brain chemistry, leading to depression symptoms.
Symptoms of summer depression are generally vegetative and mirror symptoms of non-seasonal major depressive disorder, which are:
- Problems with sleeping
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Problems concentrating
- Hopelessness
How Common Is Summer Depression?
Summer depression is a rare occurrence, especially in children. About 1.7 to 5.5% of children and adolescents may experience it. Females experience it more often than males. And, it is thought that SAD is more common in Northern areas where changes in weather and natural light are most extreme from season to season.
What to Do About Summer Depression
Symptoms of depression should never be ignored. If your child has any symptoms of depression lasting for more than two weeks, talk to her pediatrician or other mental health provider. If your child has a history or SAD or other mood disorder talk to her provider at the first sign of symptoms. If your child has any suicidal thoughts or behaviors, seek emergency medical help.
Summer depression is a treatable condition. Research shows that forms of psychotherapy, known as interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, are effective for mild cases of SAD, while medication may be required for more serious cases. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used very rarely.
Sources:
American Psychological Association. Bright Lights, Big Relief: Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder. Accessed: July 13, 2011. http://www.apa.org/research/action/light.aspx
Boris Birmaher, MD, David Brent, MD, et al.Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Depressive Disorders. The Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 46(11). November 2007. 1503-1526.
S Atezaz Saeed, M.D., Timothy J Bruce, PhD.Seasonal Affective Disorders. American Family Physician. March 15, 1998.
What Are the Different Forms of Depression? National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed: July 11, 2011. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/what-are-the-different-forms-of-depression.shtml
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