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Suggest Treatment For Severe Depression

Posted on Mon, 30 Jan 2017

Question: My 6 1/2 year old bright happy grandson has started telling his mother that he hates her, that she is dumb and that she is ugly. He will say that he has something bad to tell her about herself and then lets fly. There are lots of issues. My daughter is a single mom by choice and this summer past gave birth to a second son via a donor. My grandsons dad whom he knows moved away to XXXXXXX with his partner at about the same time that the baby was born. My daughter and sons live with me. She is about to go back to work. Yikes. Our family has a history going back generations of depression. My daughter and I are both being treated for depression. Is it possible that Ned's new hostility is an early sign of depression? He may benefit from having a professional to speak to even if not depressed. Any thoughts and thanks.

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Depression

Detailed Answer:
Hello. I just read through your question.
I have no doubt that the combination of family history and the unfortunate course of events your grandson is living through are contributing to his behavior. In my opinion these are things that can definitely be managed and he can come through this well. However, it is better to get started sooner rather than later. The longer this goes on without professional help, the more difficult it will be to help him.
I recommend beginning with his pediatrician. Express your concerns and let your pediatrician take the lead. They will find appropriate counseling for your grandson.
Good luck to you and your family.
Have a happy,healthy, safe new year.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar