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One of the most used depression rating scales in children is the RADS scale. This assessment is best suited for teenagers between the ages of 10 and 20. Can be used for psychological assessment of students in schools or for clinical assessment of patients.
1. Signs of depression in children
According to many studies, 50% of patients with mental illness have started showing signs of illness since the age of 14. But most parents as well as relatives around do not find out that, they do not know the concept of assessing depression in children.
Children suffering from depression not only affects their emotions and mood, but also adversely affects their psycho-physiological development. Children will not be able to understand themselves, create thoughts of avoiding society, poor in school, and even commit illegal acts. Signs of depression include:
Signs of major depression These are all basic signs of depression, not only in children but also in any depressed patient. These symptoms are counted when they last for more than two weeks, such as insomnia, poor sleep, and inability to concentrate at work.
Signs of mixed depression For children between the ages of 6 and 10 it is easy to see these signs. Often children will have an antisocial reaction, quite hyperactive, irritable for no reason. Children will tend to overreact and not anticipate their actions. The main reason leading to this case is often due to the feeling of being imposed, forcing in life from adults, causing children to have reactive thoughts and actions.
Signs of mood disorders In the rating scale of depression in children, this seems to be the most severe sign of depression. This sign will appear when depression lasts too long without a solution. The duration of the disease can be up to 5 years or more with particularly serious signs affecting health such as headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite,... At this time, children are prone to malnutrition. Unable to concentrate in school, often sad, may even think about suicide.
Other signs Children under 2 years of age, when suffering from depression, will change their breastfeeding habits, reverse the time. Children over 3 years old will often show signs of being picky eaters or naturally overeating.
Depression in children also slows children's cognitive development, especially when compared to peers, slow speech, slow walking and learning ability are also affected,...
In addition, when suffering from depression, most children tend to live a closed life, afraid to communicate. Children will not want to talk, play with friends, do not want to share their thoughts with relatives. At this time, young children will not be able to control their emotions. The most obvious sign is unreasonable harassment, often angry crying for no reason.
Thang đánh giá trầm cảm ở trẻ em dựa trên một số nguyên nhân gây ra
2. What causes depression in children?
As with adults, there are many causes of depression in children. It includes problems of external factors such as living environment, family, school, ... along with health problems inherent in the child's genes. Some of the most common causes are:
Pressure from learning School violence Family Changing environment Education methods of the family Genetics: According to some statistics of psychologists, most Most assessments of depression in children between the ages of 1 and 6 years are due to genetic factors.
3. RADS . Childhood Depression Rating Scale
One of the most used depression rating scales in children is the RADS scale. This assessment is best suited for teenagers between the ages of 10 and 20. Can be used for psychological assessment of students at schools or used for clinical assessment of patients.
All 30 psychological expressions have 4 answers to choose from and score:
0 points: Almost no feeling that way 1 point: Sometimes feeling it 2 points: Most of the time feeling it That's 3 points : Most of the time I feel that feeling Child depression rating scale :
I feel happy life I always worry about studying I feel lonely I feel my parents don't like me I I feel important I want to stay away from everyone I feel bored with life I want to cry I feel like no one cares about me I like to laugh at people I feel like my body is lifeless I feel like I'm loved by everyone I feel like a runaway I feel like I'm hurting myself I feel other people don't like me I get frustrated with everything I feel life's not fair to me I'm tired I feel like a bad person I feel worthless I feel like a pitiful person I'm mad at everything I like to talk to others I have difficulty sleeping (or sleep a lot) I like to play I get anxious I often have stomachaches I find life boring and tasteless I feel good when I eat I don't want to do anything The RADS score is calculated using the sum of the scores of all 30 answers above and then comparing it with the depression ratings:
From 0 points to 30 points: No depression From 31 points to 40 points Score: Mild depression From 41 points to 50 points: Moderate depression From 51 points to 90 points: Severe depression
Thang đánh giá trầm cảm ở trẻ em được bác sĩ sử dụng trong quá trình thăm khám
4. Treatments for childhood depression
To be able to treat depression in children most effectively, it is necessary to have a combination of family, school and the measures of a psychologist. This is a very time-consuming and family-friendly method. Parents need to take the following measures to support their children:
Do not put too much pressure on the child's personal problems such as studying, living,... to avoid making the child feel uncomfortable. Limiting the change of living environment: Parents need to seriously choose the best living environment for the comprehensive development of their children. Children under 12 years old often find it difficult to adapt when they have to change their living environment too often, so it is important to avoid changing places too much so that children can adapt better. Regularly confiding and sharing with children: Children also have their own thoughts and problems. There are problems that children cannot solve on their own, so parents need to spend a lot of time talking with children, giving advice to help children find the best solution. Learn to listen to children more: Even with more life experiences, parents cannot quickly deny their children's thoughts. Parents should sit down and listen to their child's thoughts and then carefully think to understand the child's wishes. Teach children how to respond to violence: Violence of any kind should not occur to children. We are not advocating violent behavior but parents need to teach their children how to deal with violent bullying so that children can protect themselves. Prepare, ensure children a scientific and healthy diet, full of nutrients, supplement with vitamins necessary for the comprehensive development of children. Give children a reasonable lifestyle, eat and sleep on time, participate in healthy sports. Encourage and create conditions for children to interact with the outside world, freely play and make friends, participate in cultural activities, sing, etc. Cooperate with the school to ensure that their children have a good learning environment In the case of severe depression, families need to take their children to medical centers to be examined and treated by a psychologist. . Currently, most psychologists tend to prefer psychological treatment because of its safety and no side effects. But for severe cases, it is still necessary to combine treatment with antidepressants.
Psychology - Vinmec International General Hospital has the function of examining, consulting and outpatient treatment of psychological problems and psychological health. With modern equipment and a team of experienced professors and experts in the research and treatment of Psychiatric diseases such as: emotional disorders, stress-related disorders and body dysmorphic disorders, Developmental disorders in children, adolescents & childbearing years.... Along with the combination of implementing psychological tests, intensive psychotherapy for diagnosis and treatment will provide the best possible treatment for the patient.
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