Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Mood Disorders

  • Sadness
  • Irritability
  • Lack of interest in previously engaging activities
  • Repeated bodily complaints without medical cause (stomach aches, headaches)
  • Social withdrawal
  • Decline in school functioning and/or grades
  • School refusal
  • Changes in eating, sleeping or energy
  • Poor focus when previously could concentrate well
  • Poor frustration tolerance/”acting out”
  • Low self-esteem
  • Guilt
  • Expressed hopelessness
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Prolonged rage attacks
  • Euphoria
  • Dramatically increased self-esteem
  • Making or trying to execute unrealistic plans
  • More talkative/loud and fast speech
  • Extreme entitlement or bossiness
  • Risk taking and impulsivity
  • Violence/aggression
  • Hallucinations or delusions

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