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  • Home
  • About
    • Our Philosophy
    • Meet Dr. Thatcher
    • Tour Our Office
    • Privacy Policy
  • Therapy
    • Eating Disorders >
      • Anorexia & Bulimia
      • Binge Eating Disorders
      • Body Dysmorphia
      • Obesity
    • Children & Adolescents >
      • Mood Disorders
      • Anxiety Disorders
      • Conduct Disorders
      • Abuse & Neglect
      • Identity Development
      • Academic Underachievement
      • Deveolpmental Disorders
      • Oppositional Defiance
      • ADHD
      • Emotional Disturbance
      • Depression
      • Separation Anxiety Disorder
    • Mental Health >
      • Depression
      • Mood Disorders
      • Bipolar Disorders
      • Anxiety Disorders
      • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
      • Panic Disorders
      • Phobias
      • Adjustment Disorders
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
      • Borderline Personality
    • Family >
      • Family Counseling
      • Parenting Support
      • Family Conflict
    • Personal Growth >
      • Self Esteem
      • Life Transitions
      • Social Skills
      • Stress Management
      • Body Image
    • Coping Skills >
      • Grief Counseling
      • Self-Harming
      • Chronic Impulsivity
      • Somatic Complaints
      • Anger Management
      • Attachment Disorder
  • Resources
    • Printable Forms
    • What To Expect
    • Helpful Links
    • Common Questions
    • Providers In The Area
  • Book Appointment
  • Contact
    • Connect With Us

Mood Disorders

Child Mood Disorders

Mood Disorders

Everyone feels sad, excited or angry sometimes. When kids feel too good, too mad, or too sad, they might have a mood disorder. A mood disorder is an illness of the brain. The feelings, thoughts and behaviors of mood disorders can cause problems in a kid’s life. What causes mood disorders in children is up for debate. There are chemicals in the brain that are responsible for positive moods. Mood disorders may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, on its own or along with environmental factors, such as unexpected life events and/or chronic stress.
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Symptoms Of Mood Disorders

  • Difficulty achieving in school
  • Constant anger
  • Rebellious behaviors
  • Trouble with family
  • Difficulty with friends and peers
  • Persistent feelings of sadness
  • Feeling hopeless or helpless
  • Having low self-esteem
  • Feeling inadequate
  • Excessive guilt
  • Loss of interest in usual activities or activities once enjoyed
  • Difficulty with relationships
  • Sleep disturbances (for example, insomnia, or hypersomnia)
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Decreased energy
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • A decrease in the ability to make decisions
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempts
  • Frequent physical complaints (for example, headache, stomachache, or fatigue)
  • Running away or threats of running away from home
  • Hypersensitivity to failure or rejection
  • Irritability, hostility, aggression
"Stop hating yourself for everything your not.
Start loving yourself for everything you are"

- Unknown

Helpful Resources For Mood Disorders

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
The Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation educates families, professionals, and the public about pediatric bipolar disorder; connects families with resources and support.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
DBSA is the nation’s leading patient-directed organization focusing on depression and bipolar disorder, primarily for adults and their families.
BP Children
Offers mood charts, posters, a newsletter, and excellent books such as Intense Minds, Brandon and the Bipolar Bear (also available in a DVD storytelling format), Anger Mountain, and My Roller Coaster Feelings Book and Work Book