Childhood Depression, Suicide Risks, and Eating Disorders: Key Concepts and Treatment Strategies

What is the annual incidence rate of depression in children at age 13?

1% to 2%

What is the annual incidence rate of depression in children at age 15?

3% to 7%

What is one of the most serious outcomes of childhood depression?

Suicide

What percentage of children may suffer from serious depression at any one time?

Approximately 5%

What are the major risk factors for depression in children?

Biochemical, Genetic, Personality, Environmental

What is the recommended treatment approach for childhood depression?

Combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants

What percentage of people respond well to treatment for childhood depression?

Between 70% and 90%

What treatment is suggested for mild depression in children?

Psychotherapy alone, support, psychoeducation, lifestyle changes, watchful waiting

What treatment is recommended for moderate-to-severe depression in children?

Antidepressant medication and specialist care with psychotherapy

What are some cues of depression in children?

Withdrawal from friends, changes in eating/sleeping patterns, anger, risky behaviors

What is a significant risk factor for suicide in children?

Exposure to trauma

How does family history influence suicide risk in children?

Family history of suicide, depression, or substance use increases risk

What is a common behavior in adolescents at high risk for suicide?

Previous self-injurious thoughts and behaviors

What should nurses ask to assess for suicidal ideation in children?

"Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"

What is a protective factor against suicide in children?

Having supportive resources and relationships

What is the relationship between gender and suicide completion rates?

Males complete suicide 3 times more than females, but females have more attempts

What are some important cues of suicide in children and adolescents?

Talking about suicide, giving away belongings, withdrawing from friends

What is the importance of prompt identification and treatment of depression?

It can prevent serious outcomes like suicide

What role does social isolation play in suicide risk?

It may increase the risk due to lack of supportive resources

What should be included in a thorough diagnostic evaluation for depression?

Physical examination and laboratory/imaging tests

What are eating disorders?

Complex conditions characterized by disrupted eating behaviors and excessive concern about body weight, impairing physical health or psychosocial functioning.

How prevalent are eating disorders in the population?

They affect up to 5% of the population, most commonly developing in adolescence and young adulthood.

What are common behaviors associated with eating disorders?

Dieting, exercising, fasting, and a preoccupation with food and weight.

What percentage of young women experience body dissatisfaction?

70 percent.

What are the two most common types of eating disorders?

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

What are general cues for identifying eating disorders?

Excessive talk about fat, weight, or calories; limited food choices; binge eating episodes; and self-consciousness around eating.

What is anorexia nervosa?

An eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to restrictive eating.

What are some cues of anorexia nervosa?

Dramatic weight loss, preoccupation with food and dieting, refusal to eat certain foods, and frequent comments about feeling 'fat.'

What are the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa according to DSM-5?

Restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and disturbance in body weight perception.

What is bulimia nervosa?

An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain.

What are common cues of bulimia nervosa?

Binge eating, recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors (like vomiting), and dental erosion.

What are the diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa according to DSM-5?

Recurrent episodes of binge eating, inappropriate compensatory behaviors, frequency of symptoms, and influence on self-assessment.

What factors contribute to the development of bulimia nervosa?

Dissatisfaction with body, extreme concern with body size and shape, low self-esteem, and feelings of helplessness.

What are the key actions for managing eating disorders?

Early identification, comprehensive clinical assessment, family-based therapy, nutritional rehabilitation, and psychotherapeutic interventions.

What role does medical monitoring play in treating eating disorders?

It ensures the physical health of the patient is maintained during treatment.

What is the significance of family-based therapy (FBT) in treating eating disorders?

FBT involves the family in the treatment process, which can enhance support and recovery for adolescents.

What is the impact of societal norms on eating disorders?

Cultural pressures around dieting and body image contribute to the prevalence and development of eating disorders.

What are some psychological factors associated with eating disorders?

Stress, anxiety, and feelings of lack of control can trigger or exacerbate eating disorders.

What is the importance of screening in eating disorder management?

Screening helps in the early identification of eating disorders, allowing for timely intervention.

What are common physical symptoms of anorexia nervosa?

Constipation, abdominal pain, cold intolerance, lethargy, and excessive energy.

How can self-assessment influence individuals with bulimia nervosa?

Individuals may base their self-worth on their body size and shape, leading to harmful behaviors.

What is the relationship between eating disorders and mental health?

Eating disorders often co-occur with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

What is the role of nutritional rehabilitation in treating eating disorders?

Nutritional rehabilitation focuses on restoring healthy eating patterns and addressing nutritional deficiencies.

What is the significance of understanding the cues of eating disorders?

Recognizing cues can facilitate early intervention and improve treatment outcomes.