Resources

Parents Medical Guide (www.parentsmedguide.org)

-Provides information from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. It provides a list of FAQs on childhood depression and the detailed information to go along with it.

Childhood Depression: What You Need To Know

Childrens Mental Health Disorder Fact Sheet for the ClassroomDepression (http://www.ksde.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=CCVDVVmjH10% 3D&tabid=3910)
-Shows a list of symptoms/behaviors, information about depression, the educational implications, and strategies/classroom accommodations for children with childhood depression.

Responding to a Students Depression (http://www.ascd.org/publications/educationalleadership/oct10/vol68/num02/Responding-to-a-Student'sDepression.aspx)

-The Association for School Curriculum Development wrote this article to help teachers understand children with depression easier, as well as give advice on what strategies to use in the classroom.

Kids Health (http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/understanding_de pression.html#)

-Talks about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and what to do if you suspect depression in a child. Good information for parents and educators.

National Institute of Mental Health (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/men-anddepression/signs-and-symptoms-of-depression/index.shtml)

-Website dedicated to everything related to depression.

Kelly Hahn SPED 450

What is Childhood Depression? -According to the Mayo Clinic, depression is a medical illness that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.

Implications for Teaching and Working with Individuals with Childhood Depression -There may be a diminished investment in a childs schoolwork -Grades may drop significantly -Loss of interest, motivation, and excessive absences -Withdrawn from peers, limited socialization How to Involve an Individual with Childhood Depression in the Classroom -Reduce classroom pressures -Keep a record of a childs accomplishments for encouragement -Encourage gradual group integration (start with small group work, move to larger group work) -Ask parents what they find helpful at home and apply it in the classroom -Reassure students that they can catch up with work -Be flexible! Professional and Parent Organizations

(mayoclinic.com/health/depression)
What are the characteristics of Childhood Depression?

-According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV): -Persistent sad/empty moodcould be irritable -Markedly diminished interest/pleasure in almost all activities -Significant change in body weight/appetite -Fatigue, loss of energy -Difficulty thinking/concentrating -Recurrent thoughts of death/suicide

(depressedchild.org/symptoms)

Prevalence of Childhood Depression -About 2% of children and 8% of adolescents meet the criteria for major depression on any single day -In childhood: boys and girls are affected almost equally -As many as 28% of adolescents have experienced depression at some point

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) (www.adaa.org)

-Provides information on the illness as well as how to find resources in helping an individual with childhood depression. Also has personal stories and testimonies from people who have experienced depression or have family members that have suffered from childhood depression.

(nami.org)

Types of Childhood Depression -Major depression -Dysthymia -Adjustment disorder with depressed mood -Seasonal affective disorder -Bipolar/manic depression

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) (www.dbsalliance.org)

-Supports families and individuals with bipolar disorder or depression. DBSA holds group meetings and has chapters throughout the country. The website also helps individuals find treatment centers, facilitate research, and teaches others about these mental illnesses and how they affect people every day.

(kidshealth.org)