Psychiatry meet today to discuss depression in kids

After adults,individual in the age group of 15-25 years are usually considered to be the most vulnerable age group for incidences of clinical depression,however,new studies indicate that even children younger than 15 years of age might suffer from depression.

After adults,individual in the age group of 15-25 years are usually considered to be the most vulnerable age group for incidences of clinical depression,however,new studies indicate that even children younger than 15 years of age might suffer from depression.

Echoing these sentiments on Thursday at the pre-conference of the upcoming three-day annual national conference of Private Psychiatry (IAPP),psychiatrists from different parts of the country said that there is a rise in cases of depression among children in the age group of 6 to 8 years.

Dr Pramod,a Mohali-based psychiatrist and Dr P Kulhara,former professor at PGIMER,said that due to various factors including disturbed families,marital discord,sibling rivalry etc.,very young children are also suffering from the disease which needs to be properly diagnosed and treated without any inhibitions.

Dr Avdesh Sharma said that even in rural areas,the cases of depression are rising at an alarming rate and so are the incidences of suicides,homicides and drug addiction.

The most vulnerable people who fall prey to these traits are found to be in age group of 15 to 25 years due to fierce competition in the educational field, said Dr Kulhara.

To discuss the latest trends and various aspects of psychiatry,over 400 delegates from different parts of country as well as abroad are likely to participate at three-day Annual National conference of Private Psychiatry (IAPP) beginning on Friday.

Dr NN Wig,professor Emeritus of PGIMER,one of the pioneers of psychiatry in India will inaugurate the conference while the presidential address on the conference theme,’Psychiatry beyond Boundaries will be delivered by Dr Avdesh Sharma.

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Psychiatric disorders and psychological problems have assumed alarming proportions and the stigma and the lack of awareness relating to such issues prevent many persons from seeking help,said Dr Pramod Kumar the organizing secretary of conference while interacting with media persons.

This year,the theme of World Mental Health day is Depression: A global crisis, he said.

The conference seeks to adopt a broad based approach – vertical,horizontal and longitudinal towards dealing with mental disorders. The conference will discuss various biological,psychological and social aspects of psychiatry,as well as the spiritual dimensions of mental health problems,said Dr Pramod.

Brahmkumari Shivani will discuss the spiritual aspects of mental health,Bollywood actor Suresh Oberoi will deliver a talk on ‘Happiness.

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