Suggest treatment for depression in child
Patient: My 16 year old daughter has been very depressed. We have taken her to the dr. and they gave her prozac for depression and anxiety. We also have her in counseling, although we have only went twice, and it s not very intense. She has also engaged in other risky behavior with drugs and alcohol and sneaking out while staying at other friends house. She is having a really rough time at school, with peers and teachers, and I just don t know what else to do.... Doctor: Hello,Welcome to HCM,Your son is of 16 years old and he is having lack of interest and feeling that he will blow up.There must be something that is bothering him. Another important point here is about his nature as a child and adolescent. Does he like to talk to people? Does he have any phobias? Does he have friends? Does he is less interactive as a child? whether he was outgoing and playful child? Does he say or do anything unusual recently? Like talking alone, seeing things, animals, people? does he say that somebody is behind him to harm him? Does he fearful?Important here is to rule any possibility of personality disorder and psychotic disorder. If these symptoms are not present then he might be having depression and he needs drugs and psychotherapy. So first go for consultation to child and adolescent psychiatrist and ask for help. He will guide you further about what can be done and what are the options. Thank you.