Explain the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents
School and going out with my friends used to be fun, but not anymore. Mom keeps telling me just to go out and have fun, but I don’t see the point of trying. All my friends are better than I am. I keep having these headaches and just feel worthless. I used to get As and Bs in school, but not anymore. I can’t concentrate at school. I would rather be at home sleeping.
—Madison, age 16
Mood and anxiety disorders can be particularly challenging to address in childhood and adolescence for many reasons. Children may not be able to fully express or understand their feelings and behaviors. Parents may misattribute or not recognize signs and symptoms. The symptoms of disorders also vary when present in children as opposed to adults. The PMHNP needs to know how to diagnose these conditions and must understand the importance of integrating medication management strategies with both individual and family therapy to optimize treatment outcomes.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
· Explain signs and symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
· Explain the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
· Explain diagnosis and treatment methods for mood and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
· Develop patient education materials for mood and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
Learning Resources
Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)
https://www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/publications/files/pemat_guide.pdf
Thapar, A., Pine, D. S., Leckman, J. F., Scott, S., Snowling, M. J., & Taylor, E. A. (2015). Rutter’s child and adolescent psychiatry (6th ed.). Wiley Blackwell.
· Chapter 60, “Anxiety Disorders”
· Chapter 61, “Obsessive Compulsive Disorder”
· Chapter 62, “Bipolar Disorder in Childhood”
· Chapter 63, “Depressive Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence”
Required Media (click to expand/reduce)
Medication Review
Review the FDA-approved use of the following medicines related to treating mood and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.
