I entitled this piece “Blue Boy” because I see a child on the far right wearing a bronze hat. He appears sad, solemn and deep in thought. Children who suffer from clinical depression present symptoms that are different than adults. An astute clinician needs to be trained to make a differential diagnosis since in the past children suffering from bipolar disorder were diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It is a serious problem when children are misdiagnosed and treated for a clinical disorder that they don’t have. Until recently, a diagnosis of the disorder was rarely made in childhood. Doctors can now recognize and treat bipolar disorder in young children. Bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depression) is a serious but treatable medical illness. It is a disorder of the brain marked by extreme changes in mood, energy, thinking and behavior. Symptoms may be present since infancy or early childhood, or may suddenly emerge in adolescence or adulthood. Until recently, a diagnosis of the disorder was rarely made in childhood. Doctors can now recognize and treat bipolar disorder in young children. Early intervention and treatment offer the best chance for children with emerging bipolar disorder to achieve stability, gain the best possible level of wellness, and grow up to enjoy their gifts and build upon their strengths. Proper treatment can minimize the adverse effects of the illness on their lives and the lives of those who love them. Consulting with a mental health professional is important if you suspect that your child is suffering from depression, bipolar disorder or other emotional problems. In addition, you can gain information about the symptoms and treatment of these conditions on the internet where there are many informative and relevant sites. The child that is successfully treated has a good prognosis. Look in the bushes to see if you can find a face of a child with a very different mood.
4 Comments
ruth sears 27 Feb 2009
very lovely work.debbie collier 17 Dec 2007
Awesome work!!Cindy Lemoi 16 Dec 2007
I see the sad boy and I see a face in the bushes with a giant smile on his face. Amazing works you have posted today Julie. Abstraction with a message, Wonderful !!Emily Reed 16 Dec 2007
Very lovely!