8 year old sone diagnosed with depression

[maryann1]

My son was diagnosed with depression in May. He was put on Paxil by his Psychiatrist. His initial dose was 12.5 mg, and he is currently on 25mg. His debilatating depression is gone, but he has some new symptoms which have me concerned. He is almost manic in his behavior. He goes from talking nonstop about this and that, and will bounce of the walls so to speak in his physical actions. He cannot sit still! I know this sounds like a typical kid, but this is over the top. He will then sink into a low state, complaining that his Dad and I dont unterstand him at all, and that he wishes he were dead. Usually this is accompanied by crying jags. I'm very worried about the Paxil, because I've heard it should not be given to children, and causes suicidal thoughts. Would it be prudent of me to ask his doctor to change medications? Do any of his symptoms sound bipolar to you? I would like for him to start 3rd grade on a positive note, and would hate for him to have to deal with depression and school at the same time.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I would definetly talk to your doctor about a change and it is very likely that the agitation is from the Paxil.  Also, are you seeing a pediatric psychiatrist for this, and if not, you should.

[tdc5]

MY SON STARTED OUT SOMEWHAT SIMILAR WHEN HE WAS 9.  HIS STARTED WITH HYPERNESS, OUT OF CONTROL ACTIONS AND SEPARATION ANXIETIES.  THEY TESTED HIM FOR ADHD AND SAID THAT HE WASN'T, BUT PUT HIM ON SOME TYPE OF MEDICATION THAT CALMED HIM DOWN.  HE LATER WENT INTO THE DEPRESSION THAT TOOK OVER AND THEN HE WAS PUT ON ZOLOFT.  HE WASN'T DIAGNOSED WITH BIPOLAR UNTIL RECENTLY AT AGE 15 WHEN HE STARTED GETTING HYPER AGAIN, AGGRESSION, TALKING EXCESSIVELY, ARGUING NONSTOP, OBSESSING AND HE ALSO TALKED OF DEATH AND HORRIBLE DREAMS AND HE JUST COULD'T GET RID OF THAT BAD INNER FEELING HE WOULD CALL IT.  I THINK FINALLY THAT PART IS GONE.  HE IS DOING BETTER WITH HIS MEDS FOR NOW.  BI POLAR COULD BE A POSSIBILITY FOR YOUR SON.  IT'S BEEN A ROUGH RIDE, I HOPE IT'S NOT FOR YOUR SAKE.  BUT WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM AND A UNDERSTANDING OF IT WILL HELP YOU GET THROUGH IT, PLUS LOTS OF PRAYERS. TDC5

[Moogler]

personally, I don't like to people taking drugs for their depression. The only time I would agree with it, is when the person also needs to be placed in a padded room.

First of all, you need to talk with him. Open lines of communication, and keep them as large as possible. You should also speak to him in different ways when he acts differently. When he is in a low, depressed state of mind, talk to him, and try to find out what is bothering him. Help him dig down into his feelings, and find the cause of everything. This goal won't be attained in one day. And if he says he doesn't want to talk about it on some days, don't nag. Just ask "Are you sure?", and if he responds with a nod, or a yes, then just leave him be. Talking to him, when he is depressed, allows him to consume a lot more of what is being said, than when he is hyper-active, and he will more than likely remember it. So when he is depressed, remind him that you love him, and that if he is worth the world to you, and you can't imagine the world without him. When he is bouncing off the walls, talk strictly, and in a deep tone of voice, and don't tell, but order him to stop, sit down, and then, in a calm voice, tell him why it's wrong to do that. He is most likely doing that, because of the effect the drugs has on his body. Depression isn't cured by medication. It's cured by a few things. Love, attention, affection, and the knowing that they are worth something to someone. Just remember that.