What Causes Chronic Nasal Bleeding?

Posted on Wed, 2 Jul 2014

Question: I'm sure I need to speak to a psychiatrist. My 11 year old son with absolutely no signs of mental problems in his life, was suspended from summer camp today because he had a chronic benign nose bleed and told a kindergarten child who ask him why was he bleeding. My son answered him that he was bleeding because he had gone to his house and killed his little brother. I'm concerned!

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
He may have reactive depression

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.

In his case, real issue is chronic bleeding from nose. He may have reactive depression and due to which, he had given this answer. Sometime, children become irritable due to physical compliant and due to which, they answer like that. In that case, there is nothing to worry.

Try to consult a good ENT specialist for nose bleeding. Once bleeding is over, he would improve in couple for days. You can also take help of child psychologist. That would help you to understand his state of mind. If he needs any treatment, he would improve with cognitive behavioral therapy. This is the treatment of choice in reactive depression. Currently, i do not feel to get him any antidepressant. Antidepressant mainly SSRIs could increase bleeding.

In case, you need further help, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

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