Adolescent Depression

Adolescent depression is a common and growing problem. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that adolescent depression can be found in more than 8% of the teenage population.

Research shows that depression is occurring at an earlier age than it had in the past. If left untreated, adolescent depression may become even more severe during adult life. Adolescent depression often occurs with other illnesses, including anxiety and disruptive behavior. Abuse of drugs or alcohol is common among those with adolescent depression.

While early diagnosis can help keep adolescent depression in check before it becomes too severe, families and physicians often overlook adolescent depression, sometimes interpreting it as normal behavior attributable to teen mood swings. Young people suffering from adolescent depression often have difficulty identifying and describing their emotional feelings or moods, which contributes to the difficulty of diagnosing adolescent depression.

We all have brief periods of depression, of course. But when a teen has feelings of sadness and hopelessness that last more than a few weeks, the young person may be considered to have adolescent depression that requires treatment.

Adolescent depression varies in severity and may be triggered by many factors, such as a traumatic experience, stress or even a change in seasons. Adolescent depression affects people in every socioeconomic group.

Medical Impact of Adolescent Depression

Adolescent depression must be taken seriously, as it may increase the risk of suicide. Research supported by the NIMH found that among those who develop adolescent depression, as many as 7% may commit suicide in their young adult years. Various stress related diseases may also result from adolescent depression.

Signs of Adolescent Depression

Adolescents who suffer from depression are sad, and often express their sadness by crying. They may have feelings of worthlessness and helplessness. Adolescents suffering from depression may be indifferent or feel extreme guilt, and may withdraw from activities they previously enjoyed.

Adolescent depression, however, does not always manifest itself in the same way as adult depression. A depressed teen can act agitated and irritable, instead of seeming sad and hopeless. Depressed adolescents, like adults, can suffer from both physical and psychological symptoms. One or more of the following symptoms may be a sign of adolescent depression:

• Headaches or stomachaches
• Difficulty sleeping
• Change in appetite
• Loss of energy
• Inability to concentrate

Causes of Adolescent Depression

Researchers believe adolescent depression is caused by a combination of factors. It is often triggered by a major loss, such as death or divorce, but abuse of alcohol or drugs can also cause or complicate adolescent depression.

Girls are twice as likely as boys to develop adolescent depression. Recent studies have linked depression, including adolescent depression, to genetics, which results in an imbalance in the chemicals that allow brain cells to communicate. Close relatives of individuals with adolescent depression are more likely than the general population to develop depression.

Treatment of Adolescent Depression

Many types of antidepressants are available, but should be used with caution when treating adolescent depression. While some newer antidepressants have been demonstrated as safe for treating adolescent with depression, other antidepressants should be used only in severe cases of adolescent depression.

Psychotherapy is typically used along with medication. Recent research shows that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for treating adolescent depression. CBT is based on the belief that those with adolescent depression have a distorted view of themselves, the world, and the future. CBT helps teens with adolescent depression see themselves and the world differently.

Support groups for parents of children with adolescent depression are important, as parents need to have an in-depth understanding of the illness. Additional research on treatment of adolescent depression is needed.

Helping Someone with Adolescent Depression

If you suspect you or someone you know has adolescent depression, do something about it. Seek professional counseling immediately.

For help, contact Walden Behavioral Care at 781-647-6700 or Info@waldenbehavioralcare.com.