Children in metros becoming victims of 'mood disorders'

New Delhi, June 3, 2008: If your child has problem in
concentration, doesn't sleep well and suffers from depression,
it is better to be cautious - it could be because of mood
disorder.
Mood disorder -- a psychological disorder -- is fast
affecting children, especially in metros like Delhi,Mumbai,
Kolkata and Bangalore, say psychologists.
"Bipolar mood disorder in children is of grave concern as
it affects their overall growth. The toughest thing about it
is that often it goes unnoticed," says Dr Roma Kumar, Clinical
Psychologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
It is a medical condition in which people have wild mood
swings. These swings affect thoughts, feelings, physical
health, behaviour, and functioning.
"I have seen a surge in the cases of Bipolar mood
disorder in children. This is one of the fast evolving
psychological disorder affecting many lives. Children are
seriously prone to it," she says.
As many as 15-35 cases come to me every month on the
same pattern. It's really worrying to know that parents
are unaware of this danger which is harming their children,
Roma says.
"My child behaved extremely irritable for more than a
year. I took it as a general child behaviour and thought it
would go as he grows. Later, browsing through books I came to
know about the symptoms of Bipolar Mood Disorder and decided
to consult the doctor. It was then I was told about my child's
disease," says Akanksha, a mother.
After regular check ups, psychological counselling
sessions and meditations, he is now responding well, Akanksha
adds. Doctors find genetic and 'lack of care' from the parents
a basic cause behind increase in cases of mood disorder.
"Mood disorders is quite common among children in metros.
There are many factors responsible for the growing incidence.
I get almost 4-10 cases every month. It is just another
'lifestyle disease' affecting growing children," says Dr
Anupam Sachdev, Paediatrician.
Parents should pay more heed to it and help their
children to stay away from it, he adds.
Bipolar disorder is characterised by recurrent episodes
of depression, mania, and mixed symptom states. These episodes
cause unusual and extreme shifts in mood, energy, and
behaviour that interfere significantly with normal, healthy
functioning, say Doctors.
However, treatment takes time as the symptoms are
realised at the later stage. But, if symptoms are detected
early, a child and parents can save themselves with a lot of
ordeal, they say.
When manic, children and adolescents, in contrast to
adults, are more likely to be irritable and prone to
destructive outbursts than to be elated or euphoric.
The manic symptoms include severe changes in mood,
increased energy, decreased need for sleep, too much or too
fast while talking, destructibility, Hypersexuality (increased
sexual thoughts, feelings, or behaviours) and excessive
involvement in risky behaviours or activities.
Children who are sad, have significant change in appetite
or body weight and difficulty in concentration can also be
considered prone to it.
"There are mood stabilisers and anti-depressants are
available in the market. But it's the parents who can play
vital role in helping their children," Roma says adding "a mix
of both Psychotherapy and Family Therapy can help a child to
fight mood disorder."
A child suffering from this can even try to kill his or
her life. Hence, parents must keep a check on their wards
habits, she warns.