Children may often feel sad, grumpy, irritable, or moody depending on the situation. But, if your child’s mood remains the same for days and interferes with their daily activities, there is a high chance that they might be suffering from a mood disorder.
Mood disorder, also known as an affective disorder, refers to mental health problems ranging from depression to bipolar disorders. According to reports, approximately 15% of children and adolescents have mood disorders.
Let’s talk about what mood disorder is, how it can be treated at child development centers, and where you can go for child mood disorder treatment in Tampa, FL.
Understanding Child Mood Disorder
Mood disorders in children can take various forms, including major depressive disorder (also known as depression), disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and persistent depressive disorder.
Mood disorders can result in significant impairments in numerous areas, including communication patterns, interpersonal interactions, family engagement, etc.
Mood disorders in children can be severe, and if left untreated, they can interfere with their academic performance and increase the risk for other mental health issues.
Child Development Centers Can Identify Mood Disorders Early On
An accurate diagnosis of a child’s mood disorder is crucial to help direct the most effective interventions.
The good news is that the developmental pediatricians at the child development center have the necessary skills and experience to provide the medical and psychological care needed to tackle behavioral and mental health issues.
They can find out your child’s mental health issue early on and may also develop an initial treatment plan tailored to your child’s developmental stage. If needed, a developmental pediatrician at the child development center may also refer your child with a mood disorder to a mental health expert.
Treatment of Child Mood Disorders
Typically, the treatment plan for a child’s mood disorder includes:
Talk Therapy or Psychotherapy
During the psychotherapy sessions, an expert discusses the cause of the child’s mood disorder and helps them cope with their emotions, feelings, and environmental stressors.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This problem-focused approach is aimed at teaching children and adolescents various coping techniques to help improve their mood and cope with difficult situations. Additionally, children are taught to identify the thinking pattern and behavior that trigger emotional distress and adjust their actions and thoughts to improve their mood disorder symptoms and functioning.
Interpersonal Therapy
This therapy increases social support and improves a child’s ability to manage his/her situation, thereby reducing mood disorder symptoms like depression.
Medications
In some cases, medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants, are also prescribed to manage mood disorders in children.
Child Mood Disorder Treatment in Tampa, FL
If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health and behavior, contact our developmental pediatricians at Children’s Medical Center for compassionate pediatric care. Our highly trained and skilled pediatricians are dedicated to providing your child with developmental, behavioral, and learning problems with all the medical and psychological support.
To know more about our services or schedule a consultation with one of the pediatricians, call one of our office locations near you.
