Differences in Childhood Mental Health Throughout the World

Developmental psychopathology is the study of behavioural health and adaptation in a context of development (Masten, 2006). The study indicates when behaviour diverts from normal and goes wrong and is also aimed at providing a clear understanding of developmental disorders and mental health problems in childhood and adolescence putting into consideration, differences that exist in developmental stages as they concern various countries. For instance, Children in Norway start to go to school at the age of 7 while in England, at the age of 5 and in Nigeria, 2years.

In order to understand maladaptive behaviour, we must have a clear understanding of normal behaviour. For instance, a 15year old crying in distress for not having desert after meal, parents should give concern to such behaviour unlike her 3year old brother who can be sent to his room when he cries for not having desert after meal.

This essay presents a preliminary diagnosis of a typical example of development gone wrong based on a case study(Jessica) who was reported to be suffering low mood and behaviour changes with a clear rationale of how diagnosis was made from DSM-5 alongside certain challenges present in diagnosing children and adolescents with depression.

A list of problems were formed using the predisposing, precipitating, maintaining and protective factors framework drawn from (Carr A, 2006) and finally identification of mode of intervention/treatment based on preliminary diagnosis.

PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSIS

Presenting the case study and according to research from the Diagnostic statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5), Diagnosis was considered for Jessica’s difficulty. This diagnosis was made with unc...

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... treatment of depression. This study based on research (Department of health, 2001) summarized evidence-based information to assist decision making for most appropriate psychological therapies for different patients with focus on mental health disorders which include depression. This article also stated that this is the most comprehensive review of psychological treatment since the review by (Roth & Fonagy 1996).

CONCLUSION

Proper diagnosis was hindered due to presenting challenges in diagnosing depression in children and adolescents. However, despite my uncertainty, the difficulties in the case study met with the diagnostic criteria’s of depressive disorder’s DMDD and MDD thus preliminary decision was made.

Though not in depth, studies revealed that cognitive behavioural therapy is highly effective in treat