More children slip into depression

More children slip into depression

28/12/2014

More and more children and adolescents in Germany are being treated for depression. Every day they struggle with their melancholy, they do not feel like getting up or meeting friends. Among other things, the higher performance requirements at school may favor a disease.

Behavior is often pushed to puberty
With her gentle handshake Sybille lowers her eyes and her words are only very soft: "About three years ago it started. I just wanted to lie in bed and had no desire for anything more, not even my best friend I wanted to see. "The shy eyes of the 14-year-old flits quickly after the few words to the ground and an uncertain laughter can be heard. Meanwhile, her best friends, classmates and family know that Sybille is depressed, but that was not the case from the start. The girl has confided to her mother late. The 39-year-old Hanoverian says: "I pushed the behavior of my daughter to puberty first. Only when the mood swings became extreme, I sought with her professional help. "For about one and a half years, the diagnosis of depression is clear.

"Higher performance requirements at school"
As statistics show, depression is now being diagnosed among more and more children and adolescents. Nationwide, every 20th adolescent suffers from it. The news agency dpa had recently reported that the Federal Statistical Office in 2000 still counted 2,145 cases in which adolescents were hospitalized because of this mental illness. Twelve years later, there were already 12,567 teenagers. Sybille was treated for half a year in a clinic. In a recent dpa release, the child and adolescent psychologist Professor Martin Holtmann of the University Hospital Hamm said that this increase is not explained solely by improved diagnostics and a greater willingness to deal with the disease. "Higher performance requirements at school as well as changes in the family image can also promote depression," says the expert. In addition, the German Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy (DGKJP) refers to the earlier onset of puberty, which in turn increases the likelihood of depression.

Interplay of different factors
It is seldom possible to find out what causes depression, as it is often a combination of factors. As Holtmann explains, this could range from stress at school to the separation of parents. Even Sybille is not sure how it came with her and says softly: "Because of the school but also personally". Her mother is frustrated by this: "I keep asking Sybille to explain more to me." But the 14-year-old seems to have a hard time talking to her mother about it. She now entrusts others to others, even though it took her to trust her psychologist. Meanwhile she goes to him once a week and sometimes her mother is also present at the appointments. Psychotherapy of children is always a family treatment, explains Holtmann. How important this is is shown by the respective experiences of those affected. Sybille's mother also often remains helpless: "Often I think it gets better and then suddenly it goes downhill with my daughter."

Symptoms of the disease
Mother and daughter usually find it difficult to deal with it. At Sybille, a low begins with a bad mood, which then sets. She experiences many of the various symptoms of the disease, such as concentration problems, inner restlessness, sleep disorders, lack of drive and reduced self-esteem. Her mother tells of the difficult phases: "If it's particularly bad, Sybille thinks that she's worth nothing and that all have conspired against her, including me." The 39-year-old can not explain the sadness of her daughter and is afraid around her. The internet platform Fideo (Fighting Depression Online), where relatives and patients can discuss anonymously and find out about the disease, can help many. "Many adolescents struggle with issues such as bullying, bad grades or dealing with their parents," said Julia Ebhardt, project manager of Fideo.

Treatment of depression mostly outpatient
Experts say depression can not always be prevented, but certain factors can often help reduce the risk of so-called depressive episodes. These include, for example, some sporting activities such as cycling or stress reduction methods. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, autogenic training, tai chi or progressive muscle relaxation are some of the options. In addition, an aromatherapy can improve well-being and promote the reduction of pressure and tension. In the treatment of depression in addition to drugs such as antidepressants or neuroleptics also psychotherapeutic procedures, such as cognitive behavioral therapy play an important role. As a rule, depression is treated on an outpatient basis. However, in the case of serious indications such as the risk of suicide, experts recommend a stay in the clinic. Sybille's mother also worries about this danger: "My daughter is talking to other depressed adolescents, but I do not know what. Again and again I fear that they can bring others to stupid thoughts and they do something to themselves. "(Ad)