Treatment options for children with depression are similar to those for adults, including psychotherapy (counseling) and medicine . The role that family and the child’s environment play in the treatment process is different from that of adults. Many primary care physicians’ may suggest psychotherapy/ counseling first, and consider antidepressant medicine as an additional option if there is no significant improvement. Currently, there are no good studies documenting the effectiveness of medicine over psychotherapy in children.

There is a lot of controversy about using medication with children. Children and teens are still developing and hormones are rapidly changing. The FDA has warnings on antidepressant medications in that it increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents.

Children with bipolar disorder are usually treated with psychotherapy, counseling, and a combination of medicines, usually an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer. Use of an antidepressant alone can trigger bouts of mania.

The FDA has determined that antidepressant medications increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders.

Many parents prefer counseling with a specialist that does counseling and psychotherapy with children, teens, and adolescents. Counseling and psychotherapy are natural methods to treat mood and behavior. Family counseling is a part of the process. It is important for parents to be a part of the process.

Teen suicide is the number three leading cause of death for adolescents after accidents and homicides.In N California four teens stepped in front of trains within a 6 month period which all resulted in suicide.

It is important to check in with your child or teen daily and find out how they are feeling daily. If you do not do this you leave the door open for a child or teens pain to ooze out in unhealthy ways: anger, drugs, alcohol, addiction, depression, anxiety, and more…The only way to do so is to ask and to listen. Parents should use empathy and attempt to understand their child or teens “issues’, challenges, pain, sadness,and anger.

There are many red flags for teen depression for parents to be aware of: child or teen displays hostility, withdraws into room, does not want to talk, isolates, feels hopeless, isolates, grades drop, low energy, sleeps to little, sleeps to much, decreased interest in activities, can not enjoy previously enjoyable activities, a change in eating habits, talks about running away from home, suicidal thoughts or talk, self destructive behavior, cutting self, physical complaints , physical illnesses, irritability, feeling rejected, feeling guilty,low self esteem and more. These are just a few signs that may indicate your child is depression or suffering from depression.

Counseling and psychotherapy with a professional that specializes in teen and adolescent counseling and family counseling is an important step to help your child or teen. Some parents prefer medication management only, however, most experts state counseling should go hand in hand with medication.

Here are some important elements to help your child or teenager with ADD or ADHD:

1. Create a daily schedule for your child or teen with specific chores and daily duties. Place the chart where your child or teen can see the list( back of the door, refrigerator, bathroom mirror etc)

2. Parents will simplify directions: ex: please come to the table instead of I want you to do A, B, C, D.

3. Gross motor movements: get your child and teen involved in exercise and sports daily( the more intense the better).

4. Progressive Relaxation and meditation

5. Imagery and visualization

6. Prepare your child and teen between activities with a time line.

Arizona State University has been extremely disappointing in their football performance this year.

Arizona State University leads the nation in the most penalty yards per game. Where is the discipline? If you are a player and have limited self control then the coaches need to teach more discipline and limits and boundaries.

I understand that with intensity comes some penalties but teams that win BCS bowls and teams that go to top notch bowl games do not have the worst stats as far as penalties in the country.

The offense has to improve….running and mainly the passing game………

IF this continues ASU will tumble to the bottom of the PAC 10 and lose to: SC , Arizona, Oregon, and UCLA.

I hope they can turn it around I really do…