• julie Marks
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  • Added 16 Dec 2007
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Blue Boy

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

Anonymous Guest

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 !!

Artist Reply: Cindy. Thanks for all your wonderful comments. You have a great eye. When I first posted blue boy, I did not see the happy boy in the bushes. When I saw him, I thought he would be a great way to show that effective psychotherapy and medication when appropriate can work by emphasizing the image of how the depressed boy emerged from a sad and somber figure to the happy face of an happy boy. I have spent so much of my life treating children as a Psychologist that I have not focused on what I know the most about. I thought adding some photographs like this one would be a contribution, especially on clinical disorders that are not often understood, misdiagnosed or usually referred to. Also, suggesting books for patients and their family could be useful. For example many patients suffer from borderline personality disorder. Books for the lay public like Walking on Eggshells or I Hate You, Don't Leave Me (lol), help families to understand this complex personality disorder? Are there special subjects you would like to know about? Not because you belong in the "looney bin" I posted, but you are a very perceptive and intelligent lady. I always appreciate your comments and if I had time would comment more on the artwork I admire.

Emily Reed 16 Dec 2007

Very lovely!