Adolescent Depression: A Guide for Parents

by Francis Mark Mondimore, Patrick Kelly

In Adolescent Depression, psychiatrists Francis Mark Mondimore, MD, and Patrick Kelly, MD, explain that serious depression in adolescents goes beyond "moodiness." Depression is in fact an illness—one that can be effectively treated. The authors describe the many forms of depression and the many symptoms of depression in young people—from sadness to irritability, self-harm, drug and alcohol abuse, and violent rages.

Incorporating the latest research from the field of adolescent psychiatry, this comprehensive and compassionate guide answers questions that many parents have, including

· What are the symptoms of depression in teenagers? · How is depression diagnosed?· What is the difference between depression and bipolar disorder, and which does my child have? · How can I find the best mental health professional team for my child? · What kinds of counseling and psychotherapy are available? · Are medications safe, and how does a doctor choose a medication for my child?· What can I do if my adolescent is using alcohol, crystal meth, marijuana, or other substances?· How do autism and Asperger’s syndrome, eating disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, ADHD, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder interact with depression? · What should I do if I sense that my child is in danger? · With all of this going on, how can I take care of myself?

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help

405 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2002

Reviews

[Diane (IF U'RE PRIVATE, PLEASE SKIP ME!!!) Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written book:- informative,educational and helpful for those who are really in need & dealing with depression plus a list of symptoms -- its diagnosis,triggers,food & drinks not having the daily living among society. Recommended!

[Squibart · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is important to note that I read the updated 2nd edition published in 2015 by John Hopkins University Publishing. Goodreads has not updated their catalog as far as I could tell. If you are the parent of a teen with any type of psychiatric or possibly psychiatric disorder, this book will give you lots of great information. In fact, more than you ever asked for. Do not limit your expectation to just depression as the title states. This book covers all mood disorders, ADHD, autism, eating disorders, substance abuse, and more. Teachers, counselors, and other staff that work with kids would benefit from reading this as well. But the reading of this book is a large undertaking and a lot to ask of the average reader. It took me a month and a half to get through all of it and I was thankful for my college background. The information is very technical in some sections. I found all of it fascinating though and wish I had treated it like a college text and kept notes. Now I feel like I want to read it again to help myself remember all I learned. Unlike other "technical" books I've read, this one does follow all that up with honest good advice. Although, what they present is advice for people privy to an ideal situation. It would be wonderful for every family to be able to find a competent, knowledgeable, communicative psychiatrist and therapist that work in tandem with a child's background in mind and best interest at heart. Unfortunately, that seems to be the rare exception in our country. Getting an appointment with any mental health professional, let alone being able to screen one and choose one that best meets your child's needs, is fairly impossible. The authors mention child psychiatrists are busy, but are way off in their estimates of waiting time to be seen. Their discussion of getting a child help through hospitalization and involuntary treatment was presented as rather ideal as well. Despite the rosier than reality presentation in these areas, the rest of this book was very informative. It helped me to solidify concerns, understand the disease process of mental health disorders, and supported my desire to find a good team of people. I feel much more informed on medications- how they work, why we'd choose them, and why we wouldn't. I also gained a huge amount of respect for the job that a psychiatrist does. The responsibility of this profession is incredible. And it brought home that my responsibility as a parent is incredible too. This book made me feel empowered and more prepared. You may not wish to believe it, but it is more likely you'll be faced with a situation involving your child's mental health or that of a child of someone close to you, than not. This book also applies to adults and may help you empathize more with the people around you. I do hope more people find this information if not through this particular book then in some other way so that we can all treat mental health with the respect and understanding it deserves and work towards removing the stigmas limiting help to those who need it.