What Is Teenage Depression
A disorder occurring during the teenage years marked by persistent
sadness, discouragement, loss of self-worth, and loss of interest in
usual activities.
can be a transient response to many stimuli. In adolescents, depressed
mood is common because of the normal maturation process, the stress
associated with it, the influence of sex hormones, and independence
conflicts with parents. It may also be a reaction to a disturbing event
such as the death of a friend or relative, a breakup with a boyfriend or
girlfriend, or failure at school. Adolescents who have low self-esteem,
are highly self-critical, and who feel little sense of control over
negative events are particularly at risk to become depressed when they
experience stressful events.
Normal behavior in adolescents is marked by both up and down moods, with
alternating periods of feeling 'the world is a great place' and 'life's
a bummer'. These moods may alternate over a period of hours or days.
Persistent depressed mood, faltering school performance, failing
relations with family and friends, substance abuse and other negative
behaviors may indicate a serious depressive episode. A suicide attempt
may follow either a short or prolonged period of depression.
Long-term depressive illness usually has its onset in the teen or young
adult years-about 15% to 20% of American teens have experienced a
serious episode of depression, which is similar to the proportion of
adults suffering from depression. Adolescent girls are twice as likely
as boys to experience depression. Risk factors include stressful life
events, particularly loss of a parent to death or divorce; child abuse;
unstable caregiving, poor social skills, and family history of
depression.
Prevention
Periods of depressed mood are common in most adolescents. However,
supportive interpersonal relationships and healthy coping skills can
help prevent such periods from leading to more severe depressive
symptoms. Counseling may help teens deal with periods of low mood.
For adolescents with a strong family history of depression, or with
multiple risk factors, episodes of depression may not be preventable.
For these teens, early identification and prompt and comprehensive
treatment of depression may prevent or postpone further episodes.
Treatment options for adolescents with depression are similar to those
for depressed adults, and include psychotherapy and antidepressant
medications (see Major Depression for a review of treatments and
self-care). Family therapy may be helpful if family conflict is
contributing to the depression. Support from family or teachers to help
with school problems may also be needed. Occasionally, hospitalization
in a psychiatric unit may be required for individuals with severe
depression, or at risk of suicide.