
Victoria L. Dunckley, M.D. in association with Psychology Today
6 Ways electronic screen time makes kids angry, depressed and unmotivated
The child or teen who is “revved up” and prone to rages or—alternatively—who is depressed and apathetic has become disturbingly commonplace. Chronically irritable children are often in a state of abnormally high arousal, and may seem “wired and tired.” That is, they’re agitated but exhausted. Because chronically high arousal levels impact memory and the ability to relate, these kids are also likely to be struggling academically and socially.
At some point a child with these symptoms is likely to be given a mental health diagnosis, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or ADHD, and offered corresponding treatments, including therapy and medication. But often, particularly in today’s world, these treatments don’t work very well, and the downward spiral continues. What’s happening? Continue reading