Juvenile-HD

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JHD Handbook-Chapter 1
JHD Info-Stanford Univ.
Physician's Guide To HD
Caring for People with HD
Physical & Occupational Therapy In HD
Understanding Behaviour in HD-Dr. Jane Paulsen
Understanding Behavioral-Dr. Edmond Chiu
Advanced Stages Caregivers Handbook
First Shift-Certified Nursing Assistants
Activities of Daily Living-HD
Unified HD Rating Scale (UHDRS) Motor Section
Westphal Variant
SECTION 1 - AT RISK
Age & Probability Chart
At Risk For HD-What Next?
At-Risk Checklist
Best Interest of Child?
Crystal Ball?
Food For Thought
Parent Hasn't Tested?
Q&A On Risk of Inheriting JHD
Testing Children
SECTION 2 - GENETIC TESTING
Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects
Genetic Testing for HD
Genetic Counseling-In General
Psychological Impact
Intro: Genetics/Genetic Testing
Prenatal & Preimplanation
Prenatal Testing-In General
o Genetic Testing Resources
o Personal Stories
SECTION 3 - JHD
Coping With The Early Years
Age of HD Appearance
Age of Onset-Historical
Family-HD Underestimated
Children of Parents With HD
Child~Parent Ill
Clinical Description JHD
HD - What Kids Are Saying
HD & Me
JHD-Duration of Illness
JHD-Clinical and Research
JHD Symptoms
Parenting With HD
Patients/Families Coping
Talking With Children About HD
5 Stages of HD
JHD Resources
SECTION 4 - SYMPTOM RECOGNITION
Parent Resources
8 Fears of A Chronic Illness
Anxiety/Apathy/Irritability~HD
Anxiety, Fears & Phobias
Apathy-Physician's Guide
Ataxia
Attention-Perceptual/Unawareness Physician's Guide
Bed/Pressure Sores
Bed/Pressure Ulcer Guideline
Behavior Management
Bi-Polar Disorders
Botulinum toxin therapy
Bradykinesia
Caring Tips
Child Abuse-Reconizing Signs
Chorea-Physician's Guide
Chorea
Cognitive/Decision Making/Impulsivity
Cognitive-Short Tips
Contractures~Joints Locking
Dehydration-Physician's Guide
Dehydration
Delirium
Denial of HD
Depression~Physician's Guide
Depression-Understanding It
Depression-How To Help
Depression - Treatment Resistant Patient
Depression-Other Resources
-Read If Your Child Is On Antidepressant
Disgust - Impaired Recognition in HD
Dissociative disorders
Driving - Physician's Guide
Dyslexia
Dyslexia Resources
Dystonia
Dystonia/Rigidity & Spasticity Physician's Guide
Dystonia-Predominant Adult-Onset HD
Epileptic Seizures and Epilepsy
Epilepsy-Seizures~PG
-Seizures ~Special Populations
Falling~Safety
Falling - Subdural Hematoma Risk
Fevers - Unexplained
Fevers, sweating & menstural cycles in HD
GERD (Stomach)
HD Principle Treatments
Hallucinations/Psychosis~PGHD
Hand muscle reflexes in HD
Hypothalamus - A Personal Theory
Insomia ~Physician's Guide
Irritability~Temper Outburst Physician's Guide
Learning Disability
Mania/OCD~Physician's Guide
Mood Disorder Rate In HD
Myoclonus (Movements)
Nails-What To Look For
Night Terrors
Obsessive Compulsive OCD
Panic Disorder
Personality disorders
Pneumonia
Pneumonia-Advanced Stages
Pneumonia - Aspirated (Inhaled)
Prosody - Social Impairment
Sexuality~Physician's Guide
Skins Sensitivity
Sleep Disorders
Smoking-Physician's Guide
Spasticity
Stress
Tremors
Why Certain Symptoms Occur
Symptom & Treatment Resources
SECTION 5 - COMMUNICATION
Communication Resources
Communication Problems
Communication Strategies For HD~Jeff Searle
SECTION 6 - EATING/SWALLOWING/NUITRITION
Hints For Weight Loss in HD
HD & Diet~HSA Fact Sheet 7
Nutrients: Some Possible Deficiency Symptoms
Nutrition and HD~Anna Gaba (Recipes)
Nutrition Information In HD~Naomi Lundeen
Speech & Swallowing~Lynn Rhodes
Swallowing & Nutrition Physician's Guide To HD
Swallowing & Nuitrition Resources
Swallowing Warning Signs
5 Swallowing Problems
Taste changes in HD
Weight Gain
Resources-Drinks/Shakes
-Feeding Tubes~Advanced Stages of HD
-Feeding Tube~Jean Miller
-Feeding Tubes: One More Word ~Jean Miller
-Feeding Tubes & Baby Foods
-Feeding Tube~Dental Care
-Feeding Tube Instructions~Jean Miller
-Feeding Tube Resources
SECTION 7 - THERAPIES
Finding a Therapist - Behavoir
What Is A Physiotherapist?
Physical Therapy In HD
Speech-Language Therapy
Therapy Descriptions
Therapy Resources- Easter Seal
Therapy Resources
SECTION 8 - MEDICATIONS
HD Treatments
Medications-Movement Disorders
Medication/Emergency Info Forms
Cutting Prescriptions
Drugs-Look 'Em Up
-Adolescents Under 25
-Antidepressant Adverse Effects
-Anti-psychotic
-Anxiety-Antidepressant
A-Z Mental Health Drugs
-Creatine
-EPA~Fish Oil
-Haldol/Haloperidol - Clinical Sheet
-Haldol~Clinician Description
-Haldol & HD
-Haldol/HD Patient Experiences
-Haldol~ Patient Handout
-Mood Stabilizers: ASK 3 Questions
-Neuroleptic Malignant Synd WARNING
-Olanzipine-Risperidone/blood tests
-Celexa/Luvox/Paxil/Prozac/Zoloft
-Psychiatric Drugs & Children
Sertraline ~Zoloft
-Spasticity Meds/Treatments
-SSRI Medications
-Tardive Dyskinesia WARNING
-Weight Gain Medications
-Sites/Help the Medicine Go Down
-Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies
SECTION 9 - SURGERIES
Surgery-Movement Disorders
o Surgery Resources
SECTION 10 - PROCEDURES
Clinic Visits-How To Prepare
CT Scans, MRI's etc.
Swallowing Tests
Tests Commonly Used
o Procedures Resources
SECTION 11- ALCOHOL/DRUGS
Alcohol-Parent's Guide
Alcohol-Talking To Your Child
Drugs-What To Do?
Drugs-Talking To Your Child
Disciplining-Ages 0-13 & Up
SECTION 12- SUICIDE
Straight Talk On Suicide
Teen Suicide-You Need To Know
o Suicide Resources
SECTION 13 - DIVORCE
Divorce & Child Stress
Tips For Divorcing Parents
SECTION 14 - DISABILITY ISSUES
Guides To Disability Issues
Caring-Child & Medical Technology
Caring for a Seriously Ill Child
Child Long Term Illness
Disability-Special Education Plan
IFSP Early Intervention Process
Disability Resources
Financial Planning
Wishes Can Come True-Children's Wish Foundations
Special Needs Resources
Special Needs Camp - About
Special Needs Camp - Finding One
SECTION 15 - ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Child Assistive Technology
Adaptive Equipment Resources
Products
SECTION 16 - EMOTIONAL ISSUES
Signs of Unhealthy Self-Esteem
Emotional Behavior Links
o Emotional Support Resources
SECTION 17 - GRIEF
Helping Child Deal With Death
o Grief Addtional Resources
SECTION 18 - ADD/ADHD
ADD & Teens
Conduct Disorders
FAQS & Related Info
Understanding AD/HD
What Is AD/HD?
Research Articles
Resources
SECTION 19 - HD SUPPORT GROUPS
HD Support Groups
National Youth Association
SECTION 20 - HD LINKS
HD Links
Related Resources
Tips For Friends
SECTION 21 - BENEFITS/INSURNACE
HD Disability
Benefits Check UP - See What You Can Get
Medical Insurance Bureau's Facts On You!
Medicare-Medicaid
Medicare Rights-Home Health & Hospice
Medicare Rights Center Resources
No Insurance? Try This!
Prescription Drug Cards Part I
Prescription Drug Cards Part II
Social Security-Children With Disabilities
SECTION 22 - ARTICLES/JHD
JHD and ADD
SECTION 23 - CAREGIVING
Articles-Resources
Caregiver Self-Assessment
Caregiver's Handbook
"First Shift With A Person With HD"
Getting Respite Care/Help At Home
Helpful Forms-Info
Home Emergency Preparations
Symptom Management
Ten Tips
Useful Tools
SECTION 24 - BIO
Our Personal Experience
Coping At The End
Kelly E. Miller
Song & Verse
Letter From My Heart
GUESTBOOK
Depression-How To Help

INDEX Page

If your child is depressed, you're probably frightened and frustrated because depression can be scary for your child and discouraging if you're a parent who's at a loss to help.

You want to put your protective arms around your child and make her whole again. Or instead of hugging her, maybe you want to tell her to get a grip, to snap out of it.

But depression isn't something a person can just snap out of and it's much more than a bad mood that will eventually go away. Although your child's condition may seem unshakable right now, her depression is a treatable illness with definite symptoms and effective treatments. Here's the good news: you can help your child by getting her the help she needs.

Getting Help for Your Child
Your first consultation should be with your child's doctor, who probably will perform a complete examination to rule out physical illness. If depression is suspected, he or she may refer you to a psychiatrist (a medical doctor who can make a diagnosis, offer treatment, and may prescribe medicine); psychologist (a health professional who can diagnose and treat depression but is unable to write prescriptions); or licensed clinical social worker (a person who has a degree in social work and is qualified to treat childhood depression).

When it comes to managing your child's depression, all of these health professionals can help. The important thing is that your child feels comfortable with the therapist. If it's not a good fit, find another.

Your child's teacher, guidance counselor, or school psychologist also may be able to help you. These individuals may be first to notice the change in your child, and they may be first to alert you to the problem. It's important to remember that these professionals have the welfare of your child at heart and that the information you and your child reveal to them during therapy is kept in strict confidence.

Treating Depression
Don't put off your child's treatment. Early detection and diagnosis are key in treating children with depression. A child or adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist can perform a complete diagnostic evaluation. Your child's treatment plan may include counseling, medicine, or a combination of both. Family intervention also may be helpful: the best outcome often is achieved when the entire family works together with the child in therapy sessions. Depending on your child's age and maturity, it also may be beneficial if your child is involved in treatment decisions and takes responsibility for her own wellness.

The most common and effective antidepressants are the SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), including fluoxetine, sertaline, paroxetine, and fluvoxamine. It may take some time to find the right medicine and dosage for your child. The side effects of these SSRIs are mild and may occur in 2 or 3 weeks after beginning medication therapy.

Because depressed children often are critical of themselves and their worlds, cognitive therapy is especially effective in helping to change the way they think of themselves. Cognitive therapy teaches children to look for connections between thoughts and actions and to challenge negative thoughts. For example, if your child thinks to herself, "I'm a bad person," she would then ask herself for evidence. Most of the time, there is no evidence or proof to back up these negative thoughts; it's simply the way the child perceives herself. Once she realizes what she's doing, she may be able to think more positively.

Studies show that the average duration of a depressive disorder is 6 to 8 months, but statistics vary from child to child, and a full recovery may take years. Ignoring depression can be dangerous because the illness can affect your child's social skills, as well as her concentration, energy level, and relationships with family and friends. Because your child doesn't like herself, it can be hard for others to like her. This disruption in social development can have lifelong effects if untreated.

What Can I Do to Help?
Most parents think that it's their job to ensure the happiness of their child. When your child's depressed, you may feel guilty because you can't cheer her up. You also may think that your child's suffering because of something you did or didn't do. This isn't true. If you're struggling with guilt, frustration, or anger, you may want to consider counseling for yourself. In the long run, this can only help - both you and your child.

Other ways to help:

  • Become an expert on depression. This way, you'll know what to expect and how to cope.
  • Make sure your child takes her medicine and encourage her to eat right, too, as this may help her feel better physically as well as improve her mood and outlook. Physical activity also has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of depression. Incorporate physical activities, such as bike rides or walks, into your family's routine.
  • Let your child know that you're there for her, that you love and care about her, and that you want to hear what she has to say, even if it isn't pleasant. Although these things may be difficult for your child to believe, it's important to say them. Eventually, they'll be acknowledged.
  • Accept your child's behavior. Never tell your child to "snap out of it." Remind yourself that she's not being lazy because she can't get out of bed, won't clean her room, or do her homework. She simply doesn't have the desire or the energy.
  • Take care of yourself. Remember that even though it's your child who's suffering, it's OK to step away from the situation for a while. Have dinner with a friend or go to a movie. Do something for yourself.

Ignoring depression can have deadly consequences: the number-one cause of suicide is untreated depression. If your child talks about suicide, to you or anyone else, or shows warning signs such as giving belongings away and being preoccupied with death, call your child's doctor or mental health professional immediately.

Reviewed by: Paul Robins, PhD
Date reviewed: May 2001

===================================================

Prescription medications often have more than one name. The "generic" name of a medication is the drug's chemical name. The "brand name" of a medication is the name under which the drug is sold. In many cases, a medication will be sold under more than one brand name.

The other issue involving brand names and generic names is cost. The generic version of a medication is often less expensive than its brand-name counterpart. Ask your child's doctor or pharmacist whether using a generic medication is acceptable to treat your child's condition.

Below is a chart that lists a selected group of prescription medications by their generic names and some of their brand names. Scroll through the alphabetical listing of generic names in the left column to find the medication you're looking for, and the brand name(s) will appear in the right column.

Generic Names

Brand Names

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine

TICE BCG

balsalazide

Colazal

celecoxib

Celebrex

ciprofloxacin

Cipro

clomipramine

Anafranil

clonazepam

Klonopin

clonidine

Catapres

crotamiton

Eurax

cyclophosphamide

Cytoxan

delavirdine

Rescriptor

desmopressin

DDAVP

dextroamphetamine

Dexedrine

dextroamphetamine with amphetamine

Adderall

efavirenz

Sustiva

eflornithine

Vaniqa

epinephrine kit

Epi-pen

etanercept

ENBREL

fluorouracil

Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex

fluoxetine

Prozac

fluphenazine

Permitil, Prolixin

fluvoxamine

Luvox

haloperidol

Haldol

imiquimod

Aldara

indinavir

Crixivan

infliximab

Remicade

isotretinoin

Accutane

levonorgestrel (sustained-release rods inserted under skin)

Norplant

lindane

Kwell

medroxyprogesterone

Provera

medroxyprogesterone (sustained-release injection)

Depo-Provera

meperidine

Demerol

mesalamine

Asacol, Pentasa, Rowasa

methylphenidate

Concerta, Ritalin

minoxidil

Rogaine

nelfinavir

Viracept

nevirapine

Viramune

olsalazine

Dipentum

oseltamivir

Tamiflu

palivizumab

Synagis

paroxetine

Paxil

pemoline

Cylert

phenytoin

Dilantin

pimozide

Orap

progesterone intrauterine device (IUD)

Progestasert

ritonavir

Norvir

rofecoxib

Vioxx

Rh immune globulin

RhoGam

saquinavir

Fortovase, Invirase

sertaline

Zoloft

tretinoin

Avita, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro

varicella virus vaccine

Varivax

zanamivir

Relenza

zidovudine (AZT)

Retrovir

Reviewed by: Karen G. Harbut, RPh
Date reviewed: March 2002

Source:  KidsHealth www.KidsHealth.com is a project of The Nemours Foundation which is dedicated to improving the health and spirit of children. Today, as part of its continuing mission, the Foundation supports the operation of a number of renowned children's health facilities throughout the nation, including the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware, and the Nemours Children's Clinics throughout Florida. Visit The Nemours Foundation to find out more about them and its health facilities for children http://www.nemours.org/no/