Case Study of African American Boy Suffering from Depression

This paper will look at a case study of an African American child suffering from depression. Depression is a prevalent and dangerous form of mental disease in children and a significant cause of youth morbidity and death. In order to decrease and avoid future, extended and severe depressed events, early detection and appropriate treatment is essential (Rao, 2013). Untreated childhood depression can lead to self-harm due to drug, alcohol and suicide attempts (Yasuda et al., 2008). Right-time detection and correct therapy can help reduce the chance of repetition (Lorberg et al., 2019).

Depression in children commonly has biological and social foundations that need the preparation of a specialized treatment plan that investigates each factor and treats them (Lorberg et al., 2019). The manifestation of the disease in children may differ from the adult symptoms (Lorberg et al., 2019). Common indications of childhood and adolescent depression symptoms may include lack of interest in social or recreational activities, occasional irritation, hunger or loss of weight, and suicidal thoughts (Lorberg et al., 2019).

The eight-year-old African American boy and his mother reported the same depression symptoms when they arrived at the emergency department. The diagnosis of depression was achieved after an in-depth medical assessment that ruled out medical illnesses and a mental status examination that ruled out the possible development of other psychiatric dis-orders. The severity determination was then reached by analyzing the Children's Depression Scale, which showed a severe depression (Poznanski, & Mokros, 1996).

This paper aims at analyzing symptoms given by the child and his mother and contributing to three ideal options in relation to the pharmaceutical treatment and management of child diagnosed with depression. It will examine the choices, the reasons, objectives and gaps between expectations and real results.