Resources
For your convenience, below are links to The American Psychiatric Association, The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the National Institute of Mental Health websites, which may provide useful information regarding a variety of mental health topics:
Depression: Childhood depression is different from the normal "blues" and everyday emotions that occur as a child develops. Just because a child seems sad, this does not necessarily mean he or she has significant depression. If the sadness becomes persistent, or if disruptive behavior that interferes with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life develops, it may indicate that he or she has a depressive illness. Childhood Depression Information: http://www.aacap.org/cs/Depression.ResourceCenter
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder:
- 3 Defining Features of ADHD That Everyone Overlooks: Symptoms of ADHD by William Dodson, M.D.
- ADD with Anxiety and ADD with Depression: Excerpt from DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION by Edward Halloway, MD, and John Ratey, MD
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that includes difficulties with attention, increased activity, and difficulties with impulsivity. Estimates show that between 3 and 7 percent of school-aged children and about 4 percent of adults have ADHD.
Anxiety: Anxiety in children is expected and normal at specific times in development. However, parents should not discount a child's fears. Because anxious children may also be quiet, compliant, and eager to please, their difficulties may be missed.
- The Foundational Role of Mood Stabilizers by Bhumika Shah, MD, Omar H. Elsayed, MD, and Rif S. El-Mallakh, MD, Current Psychiatry, May 2023
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives. More information.
Emotional Health: Emotional Health Can Lead to Success in Work, Relationships, and Health. Adapted from “Review of research challenges the assumption that success makes people happy”
Interpersonal Wisdom: What Shamu Taught Me About A Happy Marriage - Modern Love column from the New York Times
Interpersonal Caveat: The Drama Triangle by Steve Karpman with Comments by Patty E. Fleener M.S.W.
Compliance/Defiance Cascade: from Getting to Know Your Defiant Child by Russell Barkley, PhD
FDA Drug Index: Information on Specific Medications from the FDA
Medication: The Use of Medication in Treating Childhood and Adolescent Depression: Information for Patients and Families
Mental Health Resources in Colorado: Colorado chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. This site is filled with information on local and national resources for education and support.
The Mental Health Association of Colorado: This website includes information on advocacy and empowerment for people with mental health problems and contains a section filled with resources in Colorado.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Everyone double-checks things sometimes. For example, you might double-check to make sure the stove or iron is turned off before leaving the house. But people with OCD feel the need to check things repeatedly, have certain thoughts or perform routines and rituals over and over. The thoughts and rituals associated with OCD cause distress and get in the way of daily life. More information.
Sleep Issues: Sleep is essential for health and well-being. But millions of people don’t get enough, resulting in such problems as daytime sleepiness, poor decision-making, interference with learning, and accidents. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps people identify and change their thoughts and behaviors, can help. In fact, according to one study, cognitive-behavioral therapy does a better job of reducing insomnia than sleeping pills. Adapted from “Why Sleep is Important and What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough"