Signs Of Depression In Children. Medicating Children ?

Q: My 7 year old was initially diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Sent to a pediatrician who specializes in that stuff. She said, "PDD." Sent to a psychologist who said, "clinical depression." Now the psychologist wants to send her to a psychiatrist to get SSRIs.

A:I think the first thing I would want to do is make sure she has the right diagnosis. Asperger's Syndrome is one of many PDD's, along with Autism. It is not clinical depression. You are getting different diagnosis here. You say your daughter is a little different, what is different? Do you know all the signs and symptoms of depression in children, PDD's, Asperger's and Autism? How about ADHD and ODD, which are often misdiagnosed as Asperger's and Autism and vice versa? I wouldn't want my daughter to be depressed either, but I would first want to know what is wrong. Is there any other family members with Aspergers or any other PDD? It does run in families, is more common in boys and usually diagnosed earlier. Did she have any verbal delays, is she clumsy, how is her socialization skills? (Can you guess what Mary Beth is studying in school? I just finished a huge project on this.) Now, if I was sure of what my child had, then I would try medications. Likes to make up math problems to do in her leisure time. Wwatches natioonal geographic shows and learnd and remembers. Completely ignores personal grooming. Refuses to answer questions. Never discusses emotion, or how the day went, or how she feels. Talks in monotone. Can't see others' POV. Does well in school, excels in math and science. Has very few friends. Very slow to respond to verbal commands. Makes excessive lists. No, but her therapist and my therapist both say that depression in children has different symptoms than depression in adults.

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