Institute scientists offer tips for keeping children healthy and happy

The American Academy of Pediatrics has designated October as Child Health Month. Oct. 9 has been named National Depression Screening Day by the American Psychiatric Association and Oct. 10 has been set aside as World Mental Health Day, with a special focus on emotional and behavioral disorders of adolescents, by the World Federation of Mental Health.

Eugene-based Oregon Research Institute has made significant contributions to understanding the causes of youth problem behaviors, including adolescent depression, and is developing effective prevention programs.

"Many problem behaviors begin in early adolescence," notes ORI senior scientist Anthony Biglan. "That's why this is a critical time for teachers, parents, and counselors to guide children toward success." The U.S. spends an estimated $422 billion a year as a result of youth delinquency, binge drinking, dropping out of school, high-risk sexual behavior, and other problems.

Research shows that parents and others can make a difference by:

• Using praise and rewards to build children's good habits.
• Monitoring their child's activities.
• Setting clear rules and consistently enforcing them.
• Sharing ideas, values, and concerns, and listening.
• Getting involved in their children's lives.

Major depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders of adolescence, with about one in five high school students experiencing a clinically significant episode at some point in their lives. ORI investigators, who have studied the causes of adolescent depression and related disorders for more than 20 years, have developed a successful treatment program for depressed teens, which has been adapted for use all over the world.

"Depression can be treated or significantly lessened for the majority of depressed teens," notes ORI senior scientist Paul Rohde. "Parents, however, often have a difficult time recognizing when their son or daughter is clinically depressed. It's important to know the symptoms of depression, ask if you are concerned, and take steps to get help."

Important things for parents to know about child and depression:

• Clinical depression is not normal at any age;
• Depression in children and adolescents can interfere with school work, friendships, and family relationships;
• Despite adolescents' increasing independence, families are still very important. Stress or fighting at home is a risk factor for depression. Parental support and close family relationships can protect adolescents from depression;
• Depression is treatable with a range of effective treatment options including cognitive behavioral therapy and/or medications;

Depression in teens is often hard to recognize. Here's what to look for:

• Irritable or constantly sad mood;
• Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities;
• Sleep or appetite changes;
• Loss of energy;
• Very low self-esteem or excessive feelings of guilt
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions;
• Statements about killing oneself or making a suicide attempt.

Many people have one or two of these problems, but having several of these difficulties for two weeks or more is cause for concern.

Oregon Research Institute is a non-profit behavioral research organization located in Eugene, Oregon. It was founded in 1960.