Emotional & Behavioral Needs in Students November 8, 2011

1. Emotional & Behavioral Needs in StudentsNovember 8, 2011 LARRY SCOTT School Psychologist LScott2@kenton.k12.ny.us

2. Anxiety & Depression • Anxiety & Depression often co-exist and influence each • Everyone experiences anxiety and depressed moods • Influenced by genetics, personality, environment, & brain development/biochemistry • Intervention needed when anxiety and/or depression interferes with a life function (i.e. work, school, family relationships/functioning….).

3. Anxiety • 10 – 15% Americans suffer from Anxiety Disorder (about the same for children) • Anxiety is often overlooked, misdiagnosed as ADHD, left untreated, and sometimes worsened when misdiagnosed • Anxiety is difficult to detect- internal, not easily observed • Self-awareness • Medication

4. ANXIETY CYCLE Control Anxiety Anxiety Control

5. Anxiety Characteristics • Strong episodes of anxiousness and panicky feelings • Racing heart and chest discomfort • Dizziness or lightheadedness • Feelings of bewilderment and unreality • Inner nervousness • Scary, uncontrollable thoughts • Nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea • Hot and cold flashes • Numbness or strange aches and pains, muscle tension • Feelings of depression and hopelessness • Restless feelings, insomnia, sleeping too much • Difficulty breathing • Picking at self or objects • Uncontrollable bouts of anger/crying • Obsessive-compulsive tendencies • Withdrawing

6. Depression • 19 million Americans suffer chronic depression (over 2 million are children) • Could be leading cause of death when considering its influence on suicide, substance abuse, heart disease, and other health issues • Anger & violence may be symptoms of depression, particularly in males

7. Depression • Women who are pregnant or have just given birth are more likely than anyone else to suffer depression • Depressed mothers greatly influence the likelihood that a child will suffer depression & other emotional / behavioral issues- shown in brain functioning • Poverty & parent depression are highest predictor of child depression

8. Depression Characteristics • Fewer social skills and close relationships • Fewer social interactions • Limited interest in activities • Limited motivation and academic achievement • Irritability • Limited energy • Limited affect • Worsened with the presence of learning weaknesses • Most challenging during adolescence

9. Suicide & Self-Harm • Not always linked to depression • Many experience suicidal thoughts (50% of high school students) • Prior attempt to commit suicide is highest predictor of suicide • Self-cutting: coping, numbness, attention seeking/thrill

10. Suicide & Self-Harm • Suicide: 3rd leading cause of death for youth (age 15 – 24) • GLBT youth are much more prone to depression & anxiety • Suicide is leading cause of death for GLBT youth

11. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy • Based on the theory that anxiety is created and maintained by negative thinking and poor behavioral habits • Considered most effective for long-term improvement • Therapy objectives are to alter negative thinking and self-defeating behavior. Increase positive thinking and healthy behaviors. • Positive thinking and particular behaviors (i.e. exercise, meditation, etc…) have shown to alter brain functioning and biochemicals associated with stress and anxiety.